Where may elastic cartilage be found in the body?

Where may elastic cartilage be found in the body?

• A. Nose
• B. Larynx
• C. Intervertebral disc
• D. Ear

Answer: (D)

Elastic cartilage contains elastic fibers in its matrix, giving it both strength and the ability to bend and snap back to shape. That flexibility is ideal for parts of the body that need to be shaped but not rigid. The external ear is built from elastic cartilage, which lets the ear be pliable and resilient to bending. By contrast, the cartilage in the nose and most of the larynx is hyaline cartilage, which is firmer and less flexible, and intervertebral discs are made of fibrocartilage, which is tough and designed for cushioning. So, among these options, the ear is the classic site of elastic cartilage.

Elastic cartilage contains elastic fibers in its matrix, giving it both strength and the ability to bend and snap back to shape. That flexibility is ideal for parts of the body that need to be shaped but not rigid. The external ear is built from elastic cartilage, which lets the ear be pliable and resilient to bending. By contrast, the cartilage in the nose and most of the larynx is hyaline cartilage, which is firmer and less flexible, and intervertebral discs are made of fibrocartilage, which is tough and designed for cushioning. So, among these options, the ear is the classic site of elastic cartilage.