Cartilage MCQ Quiz | Microanatomy

Welcome to the Microanatomy Quiz on Cartilage, specifically designed for MBBS students. This quiz will test your understanding of the histological features, cellular components, and functional aspects of the three main types of cartilage: hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage. Covering key concepts such as matrix composition, perichondrium structure, appositional and interstitial growth, and clinical correlations, these 25 multiple-choice questions will help you consolidate your knowledge. After submitting your answers, you’ll receive your score and see a detailed breakdown of the correct and incorrect responses. For your revision, a convenient option to download all questions and their correct answers as a PDF file is also available. Good luck with your preparation!

1. The perichondrium is typically absent in which of the following locations?

2. The characteristic “glassy” appearance of hyaline cartilage matrix under a light microscope is primarily due to:

3. Type II collagen is the predominant fibrillar component in the matrix of:

4. Appositional growth of cartilage results from the differentiation of which cells?

5. The strong basophilia of the cartilage matrix when stained with H&E is primarily attributed to the high concentration of:

6. Which of the following structures is composed of elastic cartilage?

7. Interstitial growth of cartilage is characterized by:

8. The territorial matrix, immediately surrounding a lacuna, is histologically distinct because it is:

9. Fibrocartilage, which provides tensile strength and resistance to compression, is typically found in the:

10. A key histological feature that distinguishes fibrocartilage from both hyaline and elastic cartilage is the presence of:

11. Chondrocytes, the mature cells of cartilage, reside within small cavities in the extracellular matrix known as:

12. Due to its avascular nature, articular cartilage receives its primary nourishment via:

13. An “isogenous group” seen in a histological section of cartilage represents:

14. Elastic fibers, which provide flexibility to elastic cartilage, are best demonstrated using which special stain?

15. What is the most abundant proteoglycan monomer found in the ground substance of hyaline cartilage?

16. Which cell type is actively involved in synthesizing and secreting the components of the cartilage matrix?

17. The notoriously poor repair capacity of damaged cartilage in adults is primarily due to its:

18. In the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, a key early event is the progressive loss of which matrix component, leading to reduced hydration and resilience?

19. The perichondrium is composed of which two distinct layers?

20. What type of cartilage forms the C-shaped rings that provide structural support to the trachea?

21. In the cartilage matrix, proteoglycan monomers (like aggrecan) bind to which molecule to form large, water-trapping aggregates?

22. Which of the following is NOT a primary function of cartilage?

23. The menisci of the knee joint, which act as shock absorbers, are composed of:

24. The “tidemark” is a calcified line seen in histological sections that separates the radial zone from the calcified zone in which type of cartilage?

25. An increase in the girth or width of a cartilage element is achieved primarily through which growth mechanism?