Which cartilage lines the joints?

• A. Elastic cartilage
• B. Hyaline
• C. Fibrocartilage
• D. Chondrocyte

Answer: (B)

Joint surfaces in synovial joints are covered by articular cartilage, which is hyaline cartilage. This type provides a smooth, glassy surface that minimizes friction and helps distribute loads across the joint. The matrix is rich in type II collagen and proteoglycans, and the tissue is typically avascular and lacks a perichondrium at the surface, so nutrients come from the synovial fluid. Elastic cartilage, in contrast, contains elastic fibers and supports flexible structures like the ear and epiglottis. Fibrocartilage is tougher and better suited to withstanding heavy compression and shear, as seen in intervertebral discs and menisci. Chondrocyte refers to the cell type inside cartilage, not a cartilage category itself.