What is the function of cartilage?

Cartilage serves multiple important functions in the body, with one of its primary roles being to reduce friction between bones at joints and to provide cushioning. This is particularly significant in areas such as the knees, hips, and shoulders, where smooth movement is essential. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber, protecting the bones from impact during movement and helping to maintain joint health. This smooth, flexible connective tissue enables the range of motion needed for various activities while preventing wear and tear on the bones. By providing a gliding surface for joint movement, cartilage plays a critical role in the overall function and integrity of the skeletal system.

While cartilage does have roles in other processes, such as serving as a template for bone development in growing areas, the primary functions of cushioning and reducing friction are fundamental to its role in the musculoskeletal system. Other options, like connecting muscles to bones or supplying nutrients, pertain to different components in the body; tendons connect muscles to bones, and bones generally receive nutrients through blood vessels rather than via cartilage.