Elastic cartilage

Elastic cartilage or yellow cartilage is a type of cartilage that is found in certain areas of the body such as the ear, epiglottis and larynx. This type of cartilage contains a high proportion of elastin, a protein that allows tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting.

Structure

Elastic cartilage is primarily composed of chondrocytes, the cells which produce and maintain the cartilaginous matrix. This matrix is made up of elastin and collagen fibers, embedded in a ground substance rich in chondroitin sulphate, a type of glycosaminoglycan. The chondrocytes are located in spaces within the matrix called lacunae.

Function

The primary function of elastic cartilage is to provide flexible support to certain structures in the body. The high elastin content allows the cartilage to deform and return to its original shape, a property that is particularly important in areas such as the ear and epiglottis.

Clinical significance

Damage or disease affecting the elastic cartilage can lead to a variety of medical conditions. For example, relapsing polychondritis is a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and destruction of cartilage throughout the body, including the elastic cartilage. Cauliflower ear is another condition that can occur when the elastic cartilage in the ear is damaged.

See also

• Cartilage
• Chondrocyte
• Elastin
• Collagen
• Chondroitin sulphate
• Lacunae
• Relapsing polychondritis
• Cauliflower ear

References

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  Elastic cartilage under a microscope
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  Diagram of elastic cartilage