The correct answer is A. Hyaline cartilage.
Here is a detailed explanation:
At the ends of long bones, particularly in the joint areas, hyaline cartilage is present. This type of cartilage is smooth and helps in reducing friction between bones, allowing for smooth movement at the joints. It is also known as articular cartilage when it covers the ends of bones in synovial joints.
The other types of cartilage mentioned:
Fibrous cartilage: Found in areas that need to withstand tension and pressure, like the intervertebral discs and pubic symphysis.
Calcified cartilage: Found in certain parts of the skeletal system, but it is not the primary type of cartilage at the ends of long bones.
Elastic cartilage: Found in structures like the ear and epiglottis, which require flexibility, but not in the ends of long bones.
Thus, hyaline cartilage is the cartilage present at the ends of long bones.