What is the function of cartilage?

Cartilage protects bones from rubbing against each other at joints. Cartilage also supports the shape of people's ears and noses and other bodily structures. For example, the trachea would collapse without the cartilage bands running down its length.

Cartilage is also found in the ribs. It is found in many animals and even some plants, and it can be permanent or temporary. Cartilage that is temporary, such that found in young children, ossifies or turns to bone as the child grows up. Permanent cartilage does not change over the person's life. Cartilage lacks blood vessels and is made up of round cells called chondrocytes.