The main difference between elastic cartilage and fibrocartilage is that elastic cartilage has elastic fibers as a component, whereas fibrocartilage has fibrous collagen fibers as a component.
Cartilage is a connective tissue that is strong but firmer, flexible, and softer than bone tissue. It is an important structural component of the body. Cartilage is made up of specialized cells called chondrocytes. These chondrocytes secrete a matrix composed of collagen fibers, proteoglycan, and elastin fibers. The cartilage tissue is avascular, meaning that they do not have blood vessels. However, gaseous metabolites and nutrients diffuse through the aqueous phase of the gel-like matrix to reach the cells. There are three types of cartilage, namely hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Elastic Cartilage
– Definition, Structure, Function
2. What is Fibrocartilage
– Definition, Structure, Effects
3. Similarities Between Elastic Cartilage and Fibrocartilage
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Elastic Cartilage and Fibrocartilage
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Elastic Cartilage, Fibrocartilage
What is Elastic Cartilage
Elastic cartilage is one of the three types of cartilage present in the body. It is also referred to as yellow fibrocartilage. This cartilage provides strength and elasticity to certain parts of the body. This elastic cartilage is present in areas of the body like the ear (pinna), epiglottis, corniculate, cuneiform laryngeal cartilages, and the wall of the medial part of the auditory canal.
Elastic cartilage is more pliable when compared to the other two forms. This is due to the presence of more elastic fibers in addition to collagen. These elastic fibers are responsible for the yellowish appearance of the cartilage. Elastic cartilage has a structure similar to that of hyaline cartilage, but the network of elastin fibers is distinctive in the former. Furthermore, these elastic fibers provide tissues with the ability to return to their original form after stretching. Elastic cartilage is a type of dense connective tissue. This elastic cartilage does not have a blood supply or a nerve supply to them.
Generally, there are three basic parts of elastic cartilage. They are extracellular matrix, collagen and other fibers, and specialized cells. The specialized cells in elastic cartilage are chondrocytes and chondroblasts. The number of chondrocytes is very large in the elastic cartilage when compared to hyaline cartilage. These cells secrete the extracellular matrix. Chondroblasts finally form into chondrocytes. These chondroblasts get entrapped within the lacunae. This matrix of elastic cartilage is composed of type II collagen fibers, water, proteoglycans, and elastic fibers. The collagen fibers provide strength to the cartilage. Moreover, the function of elastic fibers is to provide elasticity to the cartilage.
What is Fibrocartilage
Fibrocartilage is a transition tissue that is a combination of hyaline cartilage and dense fibrous connective tissue. It is white in colour. It is a dense tissue with a distinct fibrous texture. Fibrocartilage is present in various areas of the body, including intervertebral discs of the spine, glenoid and acetabular labra, menisci of the knee, and lining of the bony grooves for tendons. It has a fair amount of tensile strength and the ability to resist high compressive forces.
In some locations, the composition and cell types vary. Hence, the mechanical properties of the cartilage also differ from location to location. In regions where fibrocartilage undergoes high tension, one can observe a set of large fibers of collagen type I. These collagen type I fibers are embedded in a hydrated proteoglycan gel. The cells of the tissue are round in the initial stages of growth of the tissue. They later become elongated. These cells may combine or join with the help of gap junctions. The regions where fibrocartilage is subject to compressions appear homogeneous. These areas also contain more collagen type II fibrils in the proteoglycan gel and contain rounded,chondrocyte-like cells.
Similarities Between Elastic Cartilage and Fibrocartilage
- Elastic cartilage and fibrocartilage are two types of cartilage.
- Therefore, they are made of connective tissue.
Difference Between Elastic Cartilage and Fibrocartilage
Definition
Elastic cartilage is one of the three types of cartilage present in the body, while fibrocartilage is a transition tissue that is a combination of hyaline cartilage and dense fibrous connective tissue.
Fibers
Elastic cartilage has more elastic fibers as a component, whereas fibrocartilage has more fibrous collagen fibers as a component.
Colors
While elastic cartilage is yellow in color, fibrocartilage is white in color.
Location
Elastic cartilage is present in parts of the body that require elasticity, such as the external ear, the epiglottis, and the auditory tubes. Fibrocartilage is present in areas that require strength and resistance to pressure, such as intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, and menisci of the knee joint.
Vascularity
Elastic cartilage is more vascularized than fibrous cartilage, which allows faster healing and regeneration. Fibrocartilage, on the other hand, is relatively avascular, meaning it has a low blood supply, which makes healing slower and regeneration more difficult.
Function
Furthermore, the function of elastic cartilage is to provide elasticity and support to the structure it forms, allowing it to bear repeated stretching and bending without damage. However, the function of fibrocartilage is to provide stability and absorb shock in weight-bearing joints, thereby reducing friction and preventing damage to the underneath bone.
Conclusion
Cartilage is a connective tissue that is strong but firmer, flexible, and softer than bone tissue. It is an important structural component of the body. Moreover, cartilage tissues are of three types, namely, elastic cartilage, hyaline cartilage, and fibrous cartilage, each having slightly different functions and compositions. The main difference between elastic cartilage and fibrocartilage is that elastic cartilage has elastic fibers as a component, whereas fibrocartilage has fibrous collagen fibers as a component.
Reference:
1. “Fibrocartilage – Overview.” Science Direct.
2. “Cartilage.” Cleaveland Clinic.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Connective Tissue: Elastic Cartilage.” By Berkshire Community College (Public Domain) via Flickr
2. “Connective Tissue: Fibrocartilage” By Berkshire Community College (Public Domain) via Flickr
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