Elastic cartilage is similar to cartilage but with the additional elasticity due to the elastic fibers that are deposited in the extracellular matrix. It can be found in the external ear, external auditory canal, epiglottis and part of the laryngeal cartilage.
Elastic cartilage. Lacunae with chondrocytes and the surrounding elastic fibers can be seen with this staining. (TM: 100x, picture taken with a Zeiss Planapo 10/0.4 on Sony A7ii)Elastic cartilage. Lacunae with chondrocytes and surrounding elastic fibers are observed. (TM: 400x, picture taken with a Zeiss Planapo 40/1.0 Oil on Sony A7ii)
Kit Ng, Ph.D. 