**Question:** True statement about elastic cartilage is

A. Elastic cartilage is composed of denser chondrocytes
B. Elastic cartilage is primarily composed of collagen fibers
C. Elastic cartilage provides support and maintains shape
D. Elastic cartilage is present only in the newborn period

**Correct Answer:**

C. Elastic cartilage provides support and maintains shape:

Elastic cartilage, also known as yellow cartilage, is a type of cartilage found in various parts of the body. The true statement about elastic cartilage revolves around its composition and function in maintaining support and shape.

**Core Concept:** Elastic cartilage is primarily composed of type II collagen fibers and elastic fibers, which give it its characteristic elasticity and ability to return to its original shape after deformation.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Elastic fibers are responsible for the elasticity of elastic cartilage, enabling it to maintain its structure and shape. Type II collagen fibers provide strength and support to the cartilage. Both collagen and elastic fibers contribute to the overall structure and function of elastic cartilage.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. Elastic cartilage is composed of denser chondrocytes: Chondrocytes are the cells that constitute cartilage, but the question refers to the arrangement of cells, not their density. Denser cells would imply a different type of cartilage, such as fibrocartilage.

B. Elastic cartilage is primarily composed of collagen fibers: This statement inaccurately focuses on collagen fibers instead of the correct combination of collagen and elastic fibers that make up elastic cartilage.

D. Elastic cartilage is present only in the newborn period: Elastic cartilage is not limited to the newborn period; it can be found in various structures throughout the body throughout life, such as the Eustachian tubes, external ear (auricle or earlobe), trachea, and larynx.

**Clinical Pearl:** Elastic cartilage is essential for maintaining proper structure and function in these structures, ensuring proper ventilation, hearing, and overall structure of the ear and respiratory system.

**Explanation:**

Elastic cartilage is composed of both collagen and elastic fibers, which give it its unique properties. These properties allow elastic cartilage to maintain its structure and shape after deformation, ensuring the proper function of the structures it is found in, such as the external ear, trachea, and larynx.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. Denser chondrocytes: Chondrocytes are the cells in cartilage, but the focus should be on the combination of collagen and elastic fibers, not the cell density.

B. Primarily composed of collagen fibers: This option highlights collagen fibers, whereas the correct statement should emphasize the combination of collagen and elastic fibers that make up elastic cartilage.

D. Present only in the newborn period: Elastic cartilage is found in various structures throughout life, not just in the newborn period. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of the ear, trachea, and larynx.