Which tissue fiber type is NOT commonly found in cartilage?

The correct answer is that fibrous tissue fibers are not commonly found in cartilage.

Cartilage primarily consists of a matrix that contains two main types of fibers: collagen and elastic fibers. Collagen provides strength and support, while elastic fibers give some flexibility to cartilage, particularly in structures such as the ear.

Reticular fibers, on the other hand, are typically associated with soft tissue framework, but they are not a prominent component of cartilage. Fibrous tissue, characterized by densely packed collagen fibers, is more commonly found in structures requiring significant tensile strength, such as tendons and ligaments, rather than in the supportive, flexible nature of cartilage. Therefore, the presence of fibrous tissue fibers in cartilage is minimal or non-existent, leading to the conclusion that these fibers are not a distinguishing feature of cartilage tissue.