Connective tissue is a type of tissue rich in extracellular matrix components. The two classifications of connective tissue are connective tissue proper (loose connective tissue and dense connective) and connective tissue special(reticular connective tissue, adipose tissue, cartilage, bone and blood). Elastic cartilage is a type of cartilage, and elastic connective tissue is a type of dense connective tissue.
Elastic Cartilage
Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue of three major types: hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage and elastic cartilage. Elastic cartilage, also called yellow cartilage, is supporting tissue in an animal’s body. They provide strength and elasticity to the structures they are present in. They contain large amounts of elastin fibres along with cells which give the yellow colour. The cells of the elastic cartilage are called chondrocytes, which are present inside spaces called lacunae. It contains chondroitin sulfate in its extracellular matrix, which forms proteoglycans and gives it a peculiar appearance from all other connective tissues.
Elastic Connective Tissue
Elastic connective tissue is a type of dense connective tissue. They provide tensile strength and resistance to stretching. They contain both elastin and collagen fibres called fibroblasts. The elastin fibres give it a property of elasticity so that a structure can return to its original position even after stretching.
| Elastic cartilages are types of cartilage which provide rigidity and strength to the structures they are present. | Elastic connective tissues are dense connective tissues which provide tensile strength and elasticity to the structures they are present. |
| The cells present in Elastic Cartilage are chondrocytes. | The cells present in Elastic Connective Tissue are fibroblasts. |
| They are present in non-load-bearing body parts such as the nose, ears and epiglottis. | Lungs and arteries, dermis layer, ligaments and tendons. |
| Chondroitin sulfate is present. | Chondroitin sulfate is absent. |
| They are much stronger. | Less strong in comparison. |
| It contains type II collagen fibres. | It contains type I collagen fibres. |
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Also read:
- Difference Between Ligaments and Tendons
- Human Respiratory System
- Mechanism of Breathing
- Difference Between Pharynx And Larynx
- Difference between Bone and Cartilage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elastic cartilage and elastic connective tissue the same?
No, elastic cartilage is a type of connective tissue which contains chondroitin sulfate, whereas elastic connective tissue is a type of dense connective tissue which does not contain chondroitin sulfate.
What is the difference between elastic cartilage and hyaline cartilage?
Elastic cartilage is the least common type of connective tissue, yellow in colour, whereas hyaline cartilage is the most common type and has a glassy appearance.
Give an example of elastic cartilage.
Ear lobes. Try tugging your ear lobe gently, it will come back to its initial position.
What is in the elastic cartilage?
The elastic cartilage contains elastin fibres which give it a yellowish appearance.
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