Which cartilage type lacks a perichondrium?

Which cartilage type lacks a perichondrium?

• A. Elastic Cartilage
• B. Fibrocartilage
• C. Hyaline Cartilage
• D. Bone

Answer: (B)

Perichondrium is the fibrous covering that surrounds most cartilage, providing nutrients and housing cells that can form new cartilage tissue. Fibrocartilage is the type that does not have this covering. Its structure is built for strength under tension and shear, with a matrix rich in collagen type I, found in areas like intervertebral discs, the pubic symphysis, and menisci. Because it functions under heavy load and blends directly with surrounding tissues, it relies on diffusion from nearby structures rather than a dedicated perichondrial blood supply. Hyaline and elastic cartilage have perichondrium, supporting nutrient delivery and growth, while bone is not cartilage and is organized with a periosteum rather than a perichondrium.

Perichondrium is the fibrous covering that surrounds most cartilage, providing nutrients and housing cells that can form new cartilage tissue. Fibrocartilage is the type that does not have this covering. Its structure is built for strength under tension and shear, with a matrix rich in collagen type I, found in areas like intervertebral discs, the pubic symphysis, and menisci. Because it functions under heavy load and blends directly with surrounding tissues, it relies on diffusion from nearby structures rather than a dedicated perichondrial blood supply. Hyaline and elastic cartilage have perichondrium, supporting nutrient delivery and growth, while bone is not cartilage and is organized with a periosteum rather than a perichondrium.