The intercellular material of the given figure is solid and resists compression. Identify the figure and the label marked as A & B.

Correct Answer : A.

The given figure represents the image of cartilage. Cartilage is an important structural component of the body. It is a firm tissue but is softer and much more flexible than bone. It is a connective tissue found in joints between bones e.g. the elbows, knees and ankles; ends of the ribs; between the vertebrae in the spine; ears and nose; bronchial tubes or airways. Cartilage is made up of specialized cells called chondrocytes (B). These chondrocytes produce large amounts of extracellular matrix composed of collagen (A) fibres, proteoglycan, and elastin fibres. There are no blood vessels in cartilage to supply the chondrocytes with nutrients.