- A Smooth and somewhat compressible, formed of chondrocytes embedded in a flexible but firm ground substance
- B Vascularized throughout, allowing rapid nutrient delivery to chondrocytes according to standard texts
- C Composed mainly of keratin fibres arranged in a parallel bundle in most observed cases under typical physiological conditions
- D Heavily mineralized with calcium salts, making it as rigid as bone itself under most conditions studied
Correct answer: A. Smooth and somewhat compressible, formed of chondrocytes embedded in a flexible but firm ground substance
Explanation: Hyaline cartilage has a smooth, firm yet slightly compressible matrix secreted by chondrocytes, which reduces friction and absorbs shock at joints, unlike bone, which is rigid and heavily mineralized.
Concept context
The four basic animal tissue types (epithelial, connective, muscular, neural) and the cockroach as a model organism for organ-system level organisation.