What is the tough, flexible tissue covering the ends of bones that reduces friction?

• A. Cartilage
• B. Ligament
• C. Bone Marrow
• D. Vascular

Answer: (A)

Cartilage, specifically articular cartilage, covers the ends of bones in a joint. This tough, flexible tissue provides a very smooth surface that minimizes friction as bones glide past one another. Its smoothness and ability to distribute weight across the joint help joints move with little resistance and less wear. Articular cartilage is avascular, so it doesn’t have its own blood supply; nutrients diffuse from the surrounding synovial fluid, which also contributes to reducing friction. This tissue is not responsible for connecting bones (that’s what ligaments do) and not located inside bones (that’s where bone marrow sits), and the term vascular refers to blood vessels, not a covering tissue.