American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Is it true that cartilage is nonvascular or has no blood vessels?

1. True

2. False

3. Depends on the type

4. Only in adults

The correct answer is: True

Cartilage is indeed classified as nonvascular, meaning it does not contain blood vessels. This characteristic is a fundamental aspect of cartilage tissue. The avascular nature of cartilage is significant in various aspects of its physiology and health. Since cartilage lacks direct blood supply, it relies on the surrounding synovial fluid or tissue for the exchange of nutrients and waste products, which limits its capacity for healing when injured. The statement that cartilage is nonvascular applies to all types of cartilage, including hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, and fibrocartilage, regardless of the stage of life or the specific location in the body. Other options suggesting variability regarding vessel presence in cartilage may lead to confusion, as it is a well-established fact that all forms of cartilage lack blood vessels, highlighting the importance of the correct answer in understanding this aspect of connective tissue biology.