Joints

A joint is the point where two or more bones meet, i.e. joints attach the bones of the body.

All joints allow space between two bones lubricated with an oily liquid (synovial fluid) around them to reduce friction and make it easy for one bone to move against another.

A tight rope-like chord which holds bones together is called a ligament. A flexible connective tissue which is found between one vertebra and the other is called Cartilage. It serves as a shock absorber which prevents the bones from wearing out.

Parts of a Joint:

A typical joint consists of;

• the ligament which binds bones together.
• tendons that connect muscles to bones.
• a tough, flexible connective tissue at the end of bones called cartilage, that reduces friction between joints, holds bones together and helps support weight.
• Synovial membrane that secretes synovial fluid
• synovial fluid which lubricates the joints.

Depending on the degree of movement, joints can be classified into two:

• Movable and
• Immovable.

Movable Joints:

In movable joints, movement of the body is possible to some extent. There are four types of movable joints: