Fibrocartilage of intervertebral disc

(hematoxylin and eosin)

This type of cartilage exhibits a significant mechanical strength. It is never found in a separated form but always in combination with either connective tissue, hyaline cartilage, or osseous tissue. Elongated chondrocytes are found in lacunae as solitary cells or in small isogenous groups; they may form columns along the collagen fiber bundles #1, #2 These bundles are oriented according to vectors of mechanical force.