Question

Calcified cartilage is
A.Soft
B.Hard
C.Fibrous
D.None of the above

Answer 1

Cartilage is the smooth elastic tissue that covers and protects the ends of long bones at the joint and nerves. Cartilages are the structural component of the rib cage, the ear, the bronchial tubes, the nose, the intervertebral discs and many other body components. Cartilage is not hard as bone but it is much stiffer and less flexible than that of the muscle.

Complete answer:
Types of cartilages:
Cartilages are of three types. That are-
1.Elastic cartilages – In elastic cartilages the cells are closer together and create less intercellular spaces. These types of tissues are [present in the external ear flaps and in the parts of the larynx.
2.Hyaline cartilages – Hyaline cartilages have less number of cells than that of the elastic cartilages. Hyaline cartilages have more intercellular spaces. These types of cartilages are found in the nose, trachea, ears, parts of the larynx and smaller respiratory tubes.
3.Fibrous cartilages – Fibrous cartilages have fewer cells so these tissues have more intercellular spaces. These types of tissues are found in the spine and menisci.
Calcified cartilage:
Calcified cartilages are formed due to the deposition of calcium in the matrix of the cartilages.
The formation of calcified cartilages is called the calcification of cartilages.
The calcium gets deposited abnormally in the soft tissues like cartilage and makes it harden.
Calcification of the cartilages can be caused by the deficiency of Vitamin K2 or by the poor absorption of Calcium due to high calcium/vitamin D ratio.
The high ratio of calcium/vitamin D can be treated by the intake of more vitamin D if vitamin K is normal.
Calcification can be a part of the ageing process.
If one wants to diagnose the calcification in the body of a person, in this case vascular calcification, an ultrasound and radiography can be done.
Therefore, it has been clear from the above discussion that the calcified cartilage is hard.

Hence the correct answer is option(B)

Note: The matrix of the cartilage consists of the glycosaminoglycans, collagen fibres, proteoglycans, and sometimes elastin. Cartilages are composed of the specialized cells which are called the chondrocytes. Chondrocytes produce a large amount of collagenous extracellular matrix, abundant ground substance which is rich in proteoglycan and elastin fibres.