The meniscus of the knee joint and the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc share a distinctive cartilage type. Which statement about it is correct?

• A It contains type I collagen in parallel bundles, chondrocytes in rows, and usually lacks a perichondrium ✓
• B It contains type II collagen exclusively and possesses a perichondrium
• C It contains elastic fibres that allow recoil after deformation
• D It is avascular and receives nutrition solely through canaliculi

Explanation

Fibrocartilage combines dense regular type I collagen bundles with rows of chondrocytes in lacunae, giving tensile strength with shock absorption. It characteristically lacks a perichondrium except at transitional zones, distinguishing it from hyaline and elastic cartilage, both of which are invested by perichondrium and contain type II matrix. Elastic cartilage, option C, occurs in the auricle, epiglottis and larynx. Fibrocartilage sites include the menisci, pubic symphysis and annulus fibrosus.

Reference: Junqueira's Basic Histology, 16th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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