Histology - Elastic cartilage

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Description:

This section of elastic cartilage is from cartilage of the auricle (external ear). Elastic cartilage, consists of chondrocytes dispersed in a threadlike network of elastic fibers. It is a flexible tissue that can be easily deformed, but efficiently recoils to its original shape. In addition to forming the skeleton of the auricle, elastic cartilage is also present as the skeleton of the epiglottis and in the wall of the pharyngotympanic tubes.