Question

Draw a labelled diagram of the transverse section of the hyaline cartilage. Write a brief note on its function.

Answer 1

Hyaline cartilage is the glass-like (hyaline) but translucent cartilage found on many joint surfaces. It is also most commonly found in the ribs, nose, larynx, and trachea. It is pearl-grey in color, with firm consistency and has a considerable amount of collagen. It contains no nerves or blood vessels, and its structure is relatively simple. It is covered externally by a fibrous membrane known as the perichondrium or when it's along articulating surfaces, the synovial membrane. This membrane contains vessels that provide the cartilage with nutrition through diffusion.

Its matrix is primarily made of type II collagen and chondroitin sulfate, both of which are also found in elastic cartilage.

Hyaline cartilage exists on the ventral ends of ribs, in the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, and on the articulating surfaces of bones. It gives the structures a definite but pliable form. The presence of collagen fibres makes such structures and joints strong, but with limited mobility and flexibility.

It is the most prevalent type of cartilage. It also forms the temporary embryonic skeleton, which is gradually replaced by bone, and the skeleton of elasmobranch fish.