Final answer:
The material called articular cartilage wraps the ends of bones, protecting them and allowing for smooth movement at joints. It works in synergy with the periosteum and ligaments to protect and stabilize the skeletal system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The material that wraps the end of bones to protect them and keep them from scraping together is called articular cartilage. The skeletal system not only includes bones but also cartilage and ligaments. Cartilage is a dense connective tissue made up of tough protein fibers, providing a strong yet flexible and smooth covering over the ends of bones at joints. This allows for movement with reduced friction and also acts as a shock absorber. Ligaments are fibrous tissues that connect bones, helping to stabilize the skeleton.
Bones are protected by a layer called the periosteum, except at the joints where the periosteum gives way to articular cartilage. Within bones lies the medullary cavity lined with the endosteum, a membranous lining where bone growth and healing occur. The compact bone around the cavity is nourished by blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels in the periosteum.