Cartilage

Cartilage is a semi-rigid tissue found in many parts of the body, thankfully not your eyes though. It’s often joked that cartilage is like a lazy roommate, it doesn’t do much but we notice when it’s gone.

When you get up in the morning and those knees pop, that’s just your cartilage saying “hello”. Cartilage provides cushioning between bones and serves as a shock absorber. Without it, every step you took would feel like the floor was made of Legos.

Now, don’t get too attached to your cartilage because it’s notorious for being a slacker. It has no blood supply, party animal much? This means it has few healing capabilities and is prone to damage. If you want to picture cartilage, imagine a middle school student without a teacher, it’s bound to get into trouble.

But let’s give credit where credit is due. Without cartilage, those ballerinas over there would be hopping on one foot due to their knees locking up. And let’s not forget that it’s cartilage that gives babies that cute button nose, aww.

So next time you hear those knees pop or feel that tickle in your nose, give thanks to our favorite slacker, cartilage.