Elastic Cartilage

Photomicrograph and digital enhancement by Joshimer Biñas
x400 magnification

Structure: Predominantly elastic fibers with fibroblasts between fibers; unstained tissue is yellowish.
Function: Allows stretching of various organs; is strong and can recoil to original shape after being stretched. Elasticity is important to normal functioning of lung tissue (recoils in exhaling) and elastic arteries (recoil between heartbeats to help maintain blood flow)
Location: Lung tissue, walls of elastic arteries, trachea, bronchial tubes, true vocal cords, suspensory ligaments of penis, some ligaments between vertebrae.


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