Cartilage is an example of which type of connective tissue?

• A. Avascular connective tissue
• B. Vascular connective tissue
• C. Loose connective tissue
• D. Dense regular connective tissue

Answer: (A)

Cartilage is avascular, meaning it has no blood vessels within its matrix. Because of this, nutrients and oxygen reach chondrocytes by diffusion from surrounding tissues or the perichondrium rather than by blood flow. This lack of vascular supply is a defining feature that sets cartilage apart from other connective tissues that rely on blood vessels to deliver nutrients. The perichondrium may bring in nutrients to the outer region, but the interior remains without vessels, which also helps explain cartilage’s relatively slow ability to repair after injury. Loose connective tissue is rich in blood vessels, and dense regular connective tissue, though fibrous and strong, is not avascular in the same way cartilage; thus cartilage fits best as avascular connective tissue.