[MUSIC]

Joan Cartan-Hansen, Host: The
skeletal system is more than

just bones.

It also has cartilages and
ligaments.

Cartilage is a strong, smooth
tissue that helps cover and

protect joints and bones.

There are three main types of
cartilage.

Elastic cartilage provides
flexibility and structure.

You'll find it in places like
your nose and outer ear.

Fibrocartilage is found in
places like your knee and the

discs between vertebrae in
your spine.

It's tough and inflexible and
designed to reduce friction as

the joints move.

And hyaline cartilage is found
at the end of bones.

It's slippery and allows the
joints to move smoothly.

Ligaments are tough, elastic
tissue.

They connect bones to bones,
and give the joints support.

Some ligaments restrict
movement, while other are more

elastic.

Now, I should mention
something about tendons.

Tendons connect muscles to
bones and help transmit force.

Tendons are sometimes confused
with ligaments.

So remember, ligaments connect
bones to bones and tendons

connect muscles to bones.

For more information about
skeletons check out the

science trek website.

You'll find it at science trek
dot org