What type of cartilage is the most abundant and covers the articular surfaces of bones in movable joints?

Hyaline cartilage is the type of cartilage that is most abundant in the body and is specifically found covering the articular surfaces of bones in movable joints. This type of cartilage has a glossy, smooth appearance and provides a resilient surface that facilitates the smooth movement of joints, reducing friction between the bones during movement. Additionally, it acts as a cushion, absorbing shock and distributing loads evenly across the joint surfaces.

In movable joints, the presence of hyaline cartilage is crucial for joint function, as it supports a wide range of motions while maintaining bone stability. This cartilage also plays a role in the development and growth of long bones, as it is found in the growth plates of children and adolescents.

Other types of cartilage, such as fibrocartilage and elastic cartilage, serve different purposes in the body. Fibrocartilage, for example, is more durable and is found in areas that experience heavy pressure and tension, like intervertebral discs and the menisci in the knee. Elastic cartilage, on the other hand, provides flexibility and strength, found in structures such as the ear and epiglottis. Dense cartilage is not a recognized category of cartilage, which underscores the specificity and importance of hyaline cartilage in movable joints.