Fibrocartilage contains large bundles of collagen fibers in its extracellular matrix interspersed with areas of more translucent ground substance. Fibrocartilage lacks a perichondrium and contains some fibroblasts interspersed among the cartilage matrix, as well as small groups of chondrocytes that tend to align in rows.

• Examine this slide of fibrocartilage, noting the distinctive features of fibrocartilage when compared to hyaline and elastic cartilages (see table on previous page 2_2 and the images below).

Elastic cartilage resembles hyaline cartilage somewhat in histological appearance with a few subtle differences.

• In a well-prepared H&E stained specimen, such as this specimen of external ear, look closely to see that the matrix appears to have more fibers in comparison to the smooth, glassy appearance of the hyaline cartilage matrix. When special stains are used to reveal the elastic fibers, such as in this specimen of the epiglottis, the striking difference in the composition of the elastic cartilage matrix is much easier to appreciate. Also note the organization of chondrocytes and the presence of the perichondrium.