What are function of cartilage?

Answer 1

Cartilage acts as a cushion between joints, to prevent the bones from rubbing against each other (such as the cartilage in the knees and elbows) and also reduces friction in the joint with movement. It also holds some bones together, such as rib cartilage. Cartilage also forms bone when you are growing - the ends of your long bones (arm and leg bones) are formed of cartilage when you are young, and this gradually changes into bone and grows longer.

Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in many areas in the bodies of humans and other animals, including the joints between bones, the rib cage, the ear, the nose, the elbow, the knee, the ankle, the bronchial tubes and the intervertebral discs. It is not as hard and rigid as bone but is stiffer and less flexible than muscle.

Cartilage is also the only body tissue that never stops growing! Look at some very old people and you will see that the end of their nose and their earlobes are bigger than yours - this is because those areas are made of cartilage and keep growing all of your life.