Which of the following is NOT a function of articular cartilage?

Articular cartilage serves several important functions in the joints to maintain proper movement and ensure the health of the bones involved in a joint. The main roles of articular cartilage include protecting the underlying bone from wear and tear during movement, providing shock absorption to manage impact forces, and covering the articular surfaces of bones to facilitate smooth and pain-free movement.

The statement that articular cartilage produces synovial fluid is not accurate; the production of synovial fluid occurs in the synovial membrane, which lines the joint capsule. Synovial fluid plays a critical role in lubricating the joint and providing nutrients to the articular cartilage, but it is not produced by the cartilage itself. Therefore, this function does not belong to articular cartilage, making it the correct choice for the question.