Which cartilage type is typically found in synovial joints?

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

Answer: (C)

The surface that lines the ends of bones in a movable joint is a smooth, low-friction layer designed to withstand repetitive loading. That role is filled by hyaline cartilage in synovial joints. Hyaline cartilage provides a glassy, resilient covering, reducing friction and distributing load during movement. It’s built mainly from type II collagen and proteoglycans, with chondrocytes scattered in lacunae, and it is avascular, getting nutrients from the surrounding synovial fluid.

Elastic cartilage, by contrast, is more flexible and found in structures like the ear and the epiglottis. Fibrocartilage is tougher and acts as a shock absorber in areas such as intervertebral discs and the knee menisci. Calcified cartilage is cartilage that has undergone calcification and isn’t the normal joint surface. Because of this, the cartilage type typical for synovial joints is hyaline cartilage.