Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

Author:      trina
Text:        What is the purpose of cartilage in the human body?

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      profbill
Text:        First, cartilage is produced in the human fetus where bones will 
later form.  And then, as the fetus grows, bone replaces cartilage in a 
process called ossification ("the making of bone").  The cartilage that 
remains in the mature human allows for flexible connections usually at the 
ends or edges of bones, such as where ribs meet the breastbone.