Which tissue connects bones and is classified as connective tissue?

• A. Tendon
• B. Ligament
• C. Cartilage
• D. Bone

Answer: (C)

Cartilage is a specialized connective tissue that forms the surfaces and structures between bones in joints. It connects bones by covering the ends of bones with articular cartilage and by forming disks and cushions (like the menisci and intervertebral discs) that hold bones together while allowing smooth movement. This tissue is distinct from tendons, which connect muscle to bone, and from ligaments, which are fibrous connective tissue that stabilizes joints by connecting bones to other bones. Bone itself is osseous tissue that makes up the bone rather than connecting bones. The key idea is that cartilage directly binds bone ends at joints and provides a smooth, forgiving interface between them.