What type of cartilage is found at the ends of long bones?

Hyaline cartilage is the type of cartilage found at the ends of long bones. This cartilage plays a vital role in facilitating smooth joint movement and providing a cushioning effect. It is characterized by its glassy, blue-tinged appearance and is both flexible and resilient. At the ends of long bones, hyaline cartilage forms the articular surfaces, which are the parts of the bone that come into contact with other bones at the joints. The presence of hyaline cartilage ensures that the joints move without friction, thus preventing damage to the underlying bone.

Articular cartilage is a more specific term that refers to the hyaline cartilage covering the articulating surfaces of bones in a joint. Although articular cartilage is a correct description for the cartilage at the ends of long bones specifically regarding their role in joints, hyaline cartilage is the broader category that encompasses this specific type. Thus, the inclusion of both terms in the correct answer reflects their relationship, highlighting that hyaline cartilage is identifiable at the ends of long bones, specifically functioning as articular cartilage in the context of joints.