Cartilage is defined as which tissue?

• A. A type of bone tissue that stores fat
• B. Dense connective tissue that forms tendons
• C. Fibrous tissue that lines joint capsules where bone meets bone
• D. A mineral component that hardens bone

Answer: (C)

Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that provides a smooth, resilient covering for the ends of bones within a joint. It helps reduce friction and absorb forces when bones move against each other. The description that best matches cartilage is fibrous tissue that lines joint surfaces where bone meets bone, forming the articular surfaces inside the joint capsule. This differs from bone tissue, which is mineralized and can store fat in the marrow, and from dense connective tissue that forms tendons, as well as from mineral components that harden bone. Cartilage is avascular and nonmineralized, giving it its characteristic flexibility in joints.