What is one primary function of cartilage in the body?

Cartilage plays a crucial role in providing flexibility within various parts of the body. It is a flexible connective tissue that is found in several areas, including the joints, the rib cage, the ear, and the nose. One of the primary functions of cartilage is to absorb shock in joints, allowing them to move smoothly while also providing structural support to tissues. This flexibility is vital for a range of movements and functions, making it essential in areas where both rigidity and pliability are required.

The other options, while related to different functions in the body, do not accurately represent the primary role of cartilage. For instance, enabling bone growth is primarily the function of growth plates, not cartilage itself. Attaching muscles to bones is the function of tendons, and protecting the brain is primarily the role of the skull and various membranes, rather than cartilage. Thus, providing flexibility truly highlights one of the significant aspects of cartilage's contribution to the body's structure and function.