FPGEE 2026 Practice Exam for NABP – The Complete All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Cartilage is primarily known for being a connective tissue that is more flexible than bone. This distinct characteristic allows it to play a crucial role in various parts of the body, such as providing support and cushioning in joints, maintaining the structure of the ear and nose, and serving as a template for bone formation during skeletal development.

Unlike bone, which is rigid and strong, cartilage is composed of cells embedded in a jelly-like matrix that contains collagen and elastic fibers, giving it flexibility and resilience. This property enables cartilage to absorb shock and reduce friction between bones during movement.

The other options relate to different types or functions of tissues. Rigid connective tissue refers to bone, which has a completely different structural composition. The idea of cartilage producing red blood cells does not apply to cartilage; this function is typically associated with bone marrow found in bones. Lastly, cartilage does not form muscle tissue, as muscle is a separate type of tissue with distinct functions and cellular organization. Thus, recognizing cartilage’s flexibility compared to bone is essential to understanding its function in the body.