Final answer:
Collagen fibers in the superficial zone of articular cartilage are aligned to withstand shear forces. This arrangement is crucial for reducing friction and providing cushioning in joints, with hyaline cartilage being the most prevalent type in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The collagen fibers within the superficial zone of articular cartilage are aligned parallel to the surface to best withstand shear forces. Articular cartilage, which includes types such as hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage, is a connective tissue that has distinct arrangements of collagen fibers to accommodate different types of forces and movements. Hyaline cartilage, which is the most common type found in the body, provides support with some flexibility and is present in areas like the rib cage and nose, as well as covering bones at moveable joints. Its smooth surface and short, dispersed collagen fibers embedded in a matrix of chondroitin sulfates reduce friction and cushion articulations of bones. In contrast, fibrocartilage, with its thick bundles of collagen fibers, can absorb compressive pressure and is found in areas like knee menisci and intervertebral discs. Elastic cartilage contains both collagen and elastic fibers, providing rigid support while maintaining elasticity, such as in the external ear. The parallel alignment of collagen fibers in the superficial zone is specifically adapted to resist shear forces that occur during the sliding movements of joints.