Elastic cartilage is mainly made up of elastin protein fibers, which give it a high degree of flexibility. It is found in certain places, such as the larynx, external ears, and parts of the nose, and it supports and keeps these organs in their proper shape, allowing them to be both stiff and flexible. Elastic cartilage makes sure that structures like the nose and ears can bend and return to their original shape, which is essential for breathing and hearing.

The elastic cartilage structure includes elastin fibers which makes the tissue strong and elastic so it will maintain its original form after bending. The tissue is situated in the structures at the outside of the ear along with the larynx and epiglottis for their supporting and flexible needs. The elastic cartilage tissue gets its structure from the matrix produced by chondrocytes which also makes it both flexible and resilient.

Elastic cartilage is a type of connective tissue characterized by abundant elastic fibers in its extracellular matrix, providing both strength and remarkable elasticity. It functions to maintain the shape and flexibility of structures subjected to frequent deformation, such as the external ear, epiglottis, and larynx, allowing them to bend and return to their original form without damage.

The reason you can bend your ear and it snaps right back is thanks to something called elastic cartilage! It’s a special kind of tissue packed with stretchy fibers that make it super flexible. You’ll also find it in your epiglottis, that little flap that keeps food from going down the wrong pipe when you swallow.