What is the function of Bone and Cartilage

Both bones and cartilage are important parts or tissues of our body, but they differ a lot in terms of structure and function. What is the function of Bone and Cartilage

If you want a little more information about this interesting topic, keep reading, as we will explain the difference between cartilage and bone below.

BONE      What is the function of Bone and Cartilage

Bones are a type of hard tissue that make up the skeletal structure of the body. They can be classified as long, short, flat, irregular, sesamoid, and sutural.

The main functions of bones are to protect the body against mechanical damage, to allow the body to move, to provide the body with a frame or shape, to store minerals, and to produce red and white cells (erythrocytes and leukocytes).

Bones make up most of the axial and appendicular skeleton. Many of them are made up of osteoblasts (progenitor cells), osteocytes (mature bone cells), and osteoclasts (large cells that bone tissue uses for growth and repair). The bones are highly vascularized.

CARTILAGE

Unlike bones, cartilage is not as stiff and hard and is present in areas of the body such as the ears, nose, and joints. In the joints, cartilage covers the endings of the bones and acts to absorb the force of shocks and thus prevent the bones from rubbing against each other.

There are different types of cartilage, for example, there are hyaline cartilages, fibrocartilages and elastic cartilages. Their main functions are: to maintain the shape and flexibility of the fleshy appendages, to support the respiratory tract, to reduce the friction of the joints, and to block the collisions between the bones.

Key differences between bones and cartilage

• Bones are much harder than cartilage.
• Cartilage is softer than bone.
• Bones make up the skeleton and aid movement, while cartilage reduces friction on the joints.

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