Scientists discover new kind of cartilage that looks like fat-filled 'Bubble Wrap'

[Judi Lynn]

By Nicoletta Lanese published 7 hours ago

A new study describes a type of cartilage that may have been discovered, forgotten and found again at several points in history



a microscope image of bubble wrap-like tissue, depicted in green
This is a newly described kind of cartilage, called "lipocartilage." This image shows tissue from a mouse ear with the bubbles of fat in the cells stained with green dye. (Image credit: Plikus lab, University of California, Irvine)

Scientists say they've identified a new type of cartilage — one that was actually discovered in the 19th century, forgotten, rediscovered and then forgotten again.

Medical textbooks describe three types of cartilage: hyaline, elastic and fibrocartilage. Hyaline cartilage helps bones slide smoothly over each other at the joints; elastic cartilage is very flexible and found in the external ear, voice box, and tube between the ear and throat; and fibrocartilage is tough and absorbs impacts at the joints and in the spine. The cells within these tissues are surrounded by lots of collagen and elastic fibers, the proportions of which give each type of cartilage its distinct characteristics.

Now, however, scientists say there's a fourth type of cartilage that looks very different from the other kinds.

The tissue, which they call "lipocartilage," superficially looks a lot like adipose tissue — better known as fat. It contains bulbous, balloon-like cells filled with oils, and the cells are surrounded by a thin matrix of fibers, rather than a thick matrix common to other cartilage. The cells are also highly uniform and can pack close together like bricks. Together, the cells form a springy, squishy tissue that has a bit of give but still resists deformation and tearing; this tissue is found in structures like the external ear and nose.

More:
https://www.livescience.com/health/anatomy/scientists-discover-new-kind-of-cartilage-that-looks-like-fat-filled-bubble-wrap

[keithbvadu2]

1. The headline sounds scientific enough for me.