What term is used to refer to a bone in the human body that is often associated with shock absorption?

The term that refers to a structure in the human body associated with shock absorption is cartilage. Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, including joints, the rib cage, and the ears. It serves multiple functions, one of the most important being to cushion joints and absorb impact, which helps to prevent bone-on-bone friction during movement.

In contrast, ligaments are tough bands of connective tissue that connect bones to one another, primarily providing stability to joints rather than shock absorption. Tendons are the structures that connect muscles to bones, enabling movement but not primarily designed for shock absorption. Fascia is a layer of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, providing support and structure but does not play a direct role in shock absorption like cartilage does. Therefore, cartilage is the correct choice for its pivotal role in cushioning and protecting bones during physical activities.