Question

Softest connective tissue is?
A. Cartilage
B. Lymph
C. Blood
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hint: Connective tissue is indeed a tissue which links, distinguishes and protects all other forms of tissues of the body. It consists of numerous cells surrounded by a liquid compartment called an extracellular matrix (ECM). That being said, connective tissue varies from several other types in that its cells are loosely packed within the ECM instead of closely knit.

Complete answer: Cartilage is a huge structural body part. It is a strong tissue, but it is softer and far more flexible than bone. Cartilage comprises specialized cell chondrocytes. These chondrocytes contain substantial amounts of an extracellular matrix made of collagen, proteoglycan and elastin fibre. There are no blood vessels in the cartilage to provide food to chondrocytes. Instead, nutrients migrate through connective tissue across the cartilage and through the heart of the cartilage. The cartilage grows and recovers much slower than that of other tissues due to the absence of blood vessels. Hyaline cartilage has a limited-friction, wear-resistant membrane present inside the joint which is intended to facilitate and disperse weight. Elastic cartilage is far more flexible than hyaline cartilage and exists in the ear and larynx. Fibrocartilage is a durable and unshakable type of connective tissue located in the knee and between vertebrae.
Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Additional information: The cartilage surrounds the articular surface and it has a smooth shape that encourages the ends of the bones to slide and prevents shearing. It constitutes between 10 % to 20% of the density of the articular cartilage and has the maximum collagen deposition in all regions. Cartilage has restricted healing capabilities: since chondrocytes are tied to the lacunae, they could never relocate to the affected parts.

Note: Cartilage is a robust and smooth soft tissue, a rubber-like material that surrounds and protects the bones in the joints and nerve as well as being a core component of the rib cage, the jaw, the nose, and also the bronchial tubes. Owing to its rigidity, cartilage often performs the purpose of keeping open channels in the body. Instances include trachea rings, like cricoid cartilage and carina.