Difference Between Elastic Cartilage and Elastic Connective Tissue

The main difference between elastic cartilage and elastic connective tissue is that the elastic cartilage contains a polysaccharide called chondroitin sulfate whereas the elastic connective tissue does not contain chondroitin sulfates. Moreover, elastic cartilage is a type of cartilage while elastic connective tissue is a type of dense connective tissue.

Elastic cartilage and elastic connective tissue are two types of connective tissue, which contain elastin fibers.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Elastic Cartilage
     – Definition, Structure, Function
2. What is Elastic Connective Tissue
     – Definition, Structure, Function
3. What are the Similarities Between Elastic Cartilage and Elastic Connective Tissue
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Elastic Cartilage and Elastic Connective Tissue
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Chondroitin Sulfate, Connective Tissue, Elastic Cartilage, Elastic Connective Tissue, Elastin Fibers

What is Elastic Cartilage

Elastic cartilage refers to yellow cartilage, which contains elastin as the main protein component of the cartilage. The yellow color is due to the presence of elastin fibers. It also contains type II collagen fibers in the cartilage. The cells of the elastic cartilage are called chondrocytes, which occur inside the spaces called lacunae. The extracellular matrix of the elastic connective tissue contains chondroitin sulfates, which bind to the glycosaminoglycans in the extracellular matrix, forming proteoglycans. This gives the distinctive appearance to the cartilage that differentiates it from other types of connective tissue.

Figure 1: Elastic Connective Tissue

The main function of elastic cartilage is to provide strength and elasticity to a structure while maintaining the shape. It is more flexible than hyaline cartilage. Hence, this cartilage can be found in the ear, epiglottis, and larynx. Elastic cartilage also contains a perichondrium, which covers the cartilage.

What is Elastic Connective Tissue

Elastic connective tissue refers to the dense connective tissue, which contains numerous elastin fibers. This type of connective tissue also contains collagen fibers and cells called fibroblasts. The main function of elastic connective tissue is to provide extensibility and elasticity to the bodily organs. Hence, it occurs in the lung tissue, around arterial walls, airways, in the vocal folds, and the dermis of the skin. Due to the presence of elastin fibers, this tissue is capable of returning to its normal position after being stretched.

Figure 2: Elastic Connective Tissue in the Dermis

Similarities Between Elastic Cartilage and Elastic Connective Tissue

• Elastic cartilage and elastic connective tissue are two types of connective tissue in the animal body.
• Both contain elastin fibers. Hence, they are highly flexible.
• They contain an extracellular matrix in which the cells or fibers are suspended.
• They are avascular and the transport of oxygen, nutrients, and wastes occur through the diffusion across the matrix.

Difference Between Elastic Cartilage and Elastic Connective Tissue

Definition

The elastic cartilage refers to a cartilage that is more opaque, flexible, and elastic than hyaline cartilage, and is further distinguished by its yellow color while the elastic connective tissue refers to a connective tissue composed of elastic fibers produced by fibroblasts that can stretch up to 1.5 times their length and snap back to their original length when relaxed.

Type of Connective Tissue

Elastic cartilage is a cartilage while elastic connective tissue is a type of dense connective tissue.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Elastic cartilage contains chondroitin sulfate while elastic connective tissue does not contain chondroitin sulfate.

Strength

While the elastic cartilage is stronger, the elastic connective tissue is less strong.

Cells/Fibers

Elastic cartilage contains cells called chondrocytes while elastic connective tissue contains fibers and fibroblasts.

Collagen

The elastic cartilage contains type II collagen fibers while the elastic connective tissue mostly contains type I collagen fibers.

Occurrence

Elastic cartilage occurs in the ear, epiglottis, and larynx while elastic connective tissue occurs in the lung tissue, around blood vessels, dermis of the skin, and in certain ligaments and tendons.

Conclusion

Elastic cartilage is a connective tissue, which contains chondroitin sulfate, giving the distinct nature to the tissue while elastic connective tissue is a type of dense connective tissue, which does not contain chondroitin sulfate. Both types of tissue contain elastin fibers. The main difference between elastic cartilage and elastic connective tissue is their structure and the function.

Reference:

1. “Connective Tissue .” Lumen | Anatomy and Physiology, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “Elastic cart 100X” By Ganímedes – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Younger skin vs older skin” By Lieslecath – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia