Final answer:
The elastic cartilage is found in the auricle, or external ear, allowing it to support shape while tolerating distortion. This cartilage contains elastic fibers, differentiating it from hyaline and fibrocartilage which serve different functions in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of cartilage found in the auricle, or the external ear, is designed to support and withstand distortion. This is due to the presence of elastic fibers, which give the tissue its flexible and resilient properties. The elastic cartilage not only holds shape but can also return to its original form after being bent or pulled, as is evident when you tug at your ear lobes and they spring back.
Elastic cartilage can also be found in other parts of the body such as portions of the larynx, highlighting its function to provide firm yet elastic support. Comparatively, hyaline cartilage, which is the most common type found in the body, doesn't have the same elasticity as it contains fewer elastic fibers, making it less suitable for areas like the ear that require more flexibility. Fibrocartilage, on the other hand, is much tougher and is found in places that need to withstand heavy pressure, such as the intervertebral discs.