Which location is typical for hyaline cartilage in the human body?

Which location is typical for hyaline cartilage in the human body?

• A. Symphysis pubis
• B. Intervertebral disc
• C. Articular surfaces of bone
• D. Elastic cartilage

Answer: (C)

Hyaline cartilage forms smooth, low-friction articular surfaces on bones within joints. Its matrix, rich in type II collagen and proteoglycans, with chondrocytes in lacunae, provides a slippery, resilient covering that distributes load and allows easy movement. It is avascular, so nutrients reach it by diffusion from the joint fluid, which helps explain its limited repair. Among the options, the location described fits the articular surfaces of bone—the area where bones meet in a synovial joint is typically hyaline cartilage. In contrast, the pubic symphysis is made of fibrocartilage, intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous, and elastic cartilage is found in structures like the ear and epiglottis, not joint surfaces.

Hyaline cartilage forms smooth, low-friction articular surfaces on bones within joints. Its matrix, rich in type II collagen and proteoglycans, with chondrocytes in lacunae, provides a slippery, resilient covering that distributes load and allows easy movement. It is avascular, so nutrients reach it by diffusion from the joint fluid, which helps explain its limited repair.

Among the options, the location described fits the articular surfaces of bone—the area where bones meet in a synovial joint is typically hyaline cartilage. In contrast, the pubic symphysis is made of fibrocartilage, intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous, and elastic cartilage is found in structures like the ear and epiglottis, not joint surfaces.