Which type of cartilage might be eroded in osteoarthritis?

• A. Elastic cartilage
• B. Articular cartilage
• C. Fibrocartilage
• D. Hyaline cartilage

Answer: (D)

In the context of osteoarthritis, the type of cartilage that is primarily affected and eroded is hyaline cartilage. This type of cartilage is found covering the ends of bones in synovial joints and plays a crucial role in reducing friction and absorbing shock during movement. In osteoarthritis, the smooth surface of the hyaline cartilage becomes damaged, leading to a breakdown that contributes to the symptoms of pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility associated with the condition.

While fibrocartilage is also present in the body (for example, in the menisci of the knee and the intervertebral discs), it is not the main type affected by osteoarthritis. Elastic cartilage, found in structures like the ear and epiglottis, does not play a role in the joints affected by osteoarthritis. Articular cartilage is a term often used interchangeably with hyaline cartilage in the context of joint surfaces, but for clarity, hyaline cartilage specifically refers to its composition and functions in the context of osteoarthritis.