What structure surrounds cartilage and provides a dense connective tissue girdle with blood vessels for nutrient delivery?

What structure surrounds cartilage and provides a dense connective tissue girdle with blood vessels for nutrient delivery?

• A. Perichondrium
• B. Periosteum
• C. Endosteum
• D. Articular cartilage

Answer: (A)

Cartilage is avascular, so it relies on a surrounding vascular layer to supply nutrients. This role is filled by the perichondrium, a dense connective tissue sheath that wraps cartilage and contains blood vessels. Those vessels deliver nutrients that diffuse into the cartilage matrix, supporting its health, growth, and repair. Periosteum surrounds bone, not cartilage; endosteum lines the inner surfaces of bone cavities; and articular cartilage is the cartilage at joints itself, which is avascular and lacks its own blood vessels.

Cartilage is avascular, so it relies on a surrounding vascular layer to supply nutrients. This role is filled by the perichondrium, a dense connective tissue sheath that wraps cartilage and contains blood vessels. Those vessels deliver nutrients that diffuse into the cartilage matrix, supporting its health, growth, and repair. Periosteum surrounds bone, not cartilage; endosteum lines the inner surfaces of bone cavities; and articular cartilage is the cartilage at joints itself, which is avascular and lacks its own blood vessels.