ELASTIC FIBROCARTILAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Elastic fibrocartilage is a specialized type of connective tissue found in the human body. It is characterized by its unique composition, structure, and properties, which enable it to perform specific functions within certain anatomical structures.
Fibrocartilage refers to a tough, dense connective tissue that contains both collagen fibers and cartilage cells known as chondrocytes. However, what distinguishes elastic fibrocartilage from other types of fibrocartilage is the presence of additional elastic fibers. These elastic fibers provide elasticity and flexibility to the tissue, allowing it to withstand repeated stretching and bending without losing its shape.
Elastic fibrocartilage is primarily found in structures that require both strength and flexibility. One notable example is the external ear, also known as the auricle or pinna, which is composed mainly of this tissue. The elastic fibrocartilage gives the ear its characteristic shape and enables it to maintain its form despite being frequently subjected to bending, twisting, and pressure.
The properties of elastic fibrocartilage make it highly resilient and resistant to wear and tear. It also acts as a shock absorber, reducing the impact of mechanical forces on the surrounding structures. In addition to the ear, elastic fibrocartilage can also be found in other regions of the body, such as the epiglottis in the throat and certain parts of the larynx.
Overall, elastic fibrocartilage is a specialized connective tissue that combines the strength and support of fibrocartilage with the elasticity provided by elastic fibers. Its unique composition and properties enable it to fulfill specific structural and functional roles in the human body.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ELASTIC FIBROCARTILAGE
- e lastic fibrocartilage
- el astic fibrocartilage
- ela stic fibrocartilage
- elas tic fibrocartilage
- elast ic fibrocartilage
- elasti c fibrocartilage
- elastic f ibrocartilage
- elastic fi brocartilage
- elastic fib rocartilage
- elastic fibr ocartilage
- elastic fibro cartilage
- elastic fibroc artilage
- elastic fibroca rtilage
- elastic fibrocar tilage
- elastic fibrocart ilage
- elastic fibrocarti lage
- elastic fibrocartil age
- elastic fibrocartila ge
- elastic fibrocartilag e
Etymology of ELASTIC FIBROCARTILAGE
The word "elastic" has its roots in the Latin word "elastica" and the Greek word "ελαστικός" (elastikos), both meaning "flexible" or "able to stretch and return to its original shape". "Fibrocartilage" is a combination of two roots: "fibro-" derived from the Latin word "fibra", meaning "fiber", and "cartilage" from the Latin word "cartilago", referring to a type of connective tissue found in the body. So, "elastic fibrocartilage" generally refers to a type of cartilage that has both elastic properties and contains fibrous tissues.
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