This image shows the elastic cartilage that provides support for the outer
ear of the rabbit. The chondrocytes occupy
lacunae in a manner similar to hyaline
cartilage, but the elastic fibers, stained
dark in this preparation, that are embedded in the cartilage matrix
make this cartilage elastic. Note the rounded appearance of the lacune in
the center of this thin cartilage and the more elongated and flattened appearance
of the lacunae towards the two edges. The two surface of the cartilage are
covered with a perichondrium of dense connective
tissue, which is continuous with the connective tissue of the ear.
