Which cartilage forms the articular surfaces in joints?

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

Answer: (A)

Articular surfaces need a tissue that provides a very smooth, low-friction, durable surface to handle repeated loading as joints move. Hyaline cartilage fits this role perfectly. Its matrix is rich in water and type II collagen, with proteoglycans that give it a slippery, glassy feel. This combination allows bones to slide against each other with minimal resistance while evenly distributing load across the joint. Because it lacks blood vessels, nutrients come from the surrounding synovial fluid, which also helps keep the surface slick.

In addition, the cartilage is organized into zones that help it withstand different forces—shear at the surface and compression deeper in—maintaining integrity during movement. Because of these properties, this type of cartilage forms the articular surfaces of joints.

Other cartilages have different roles. Elastic cartilage contains elastic fibers for flexibility and is found where bendiness is needed (like in structures such as the ear and epiglottis). Fibrocartilage is tougher and is used in weight-bearing or high-stress areas (such as intervertebral discs and the menisci) where strong resistance to tearing is required. Nose cartilage refers to cartilaginous support in the nasal region and is not the tissue that forms joint surfaces.