Which type of connective tissue forms a flexible, slippery cushion between articulating bones at synovial joints, reducing friction and absorbing mechanical shocks?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Cartilage (Hyaline articular cartilage)
- Step 1: Articular cartilage is a specialized variety of hyaline cartilage that caps the epiphyses of long bones within joint capsules.
- Step 2: Characterized by high water content, collagen fibrils, and proteoglycan aggrecans, it provides an extraordinarily smooth, nearly frictionless, wear-resistant surface that withstands compressive joint loads.
Answer
Cartilage (Hyaline articular cartilage)
Why not the others: 'Adipose tissue' Adipose tissue is fatty connective tissue specialized in energy storage and thermal insulation; 'Tendon' Tendons connect contractile muscles to bones to transmit force, not cushion joint articulation faces; 'Ligament' Ligaments connect bone to bone to stabilize joints against abnormal displacement, but do not coat articulating surfaces.
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