joint
Sign in to saveA joint or articulation (or articular surface) is the connection made between bones, ossicles, or other hard structures in the body which link an animal's skeletal system into a functional whole. They are constructed to allow for different degrees and types of movement. Some joints, such as the knee, elbow, and shoulder, are self-lubricating, almost frictionless, and are able to withstand compression and maintain heavy loads while still executing smooth and precise movements. Other joints such as sutures between the bones of the skull permit very little movement (only during birth) in order to
AI overview
A joint is where two bones connect in your body, and these connections are designed to allow different amounts of movement depending on their location and purpose. Some joints, like your knee and shoulder, move freely and can handle heavy loads smoothly, while others, like the seams in your skull, allow little to no movement to keep your head stable.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Key facts
- Anatomy.Name
- Joint
- Anatomy.Latin
- articulus,junctura,articulatio
- Anatomy.Image
- Joint.svg
- Anatomy.Caption
- Diagram of a typical synovial joint
- Anatomy.Width
- 300
- Anatomy.Image2
- Gray298.png
- Anatomy.Caption2
- Depiction of an intervertebral disc, a cartilaginous joint
- Anatomy.System
- Musculoskeletal systemArticular system
via Wikipedia infobox
Article
11 sectionsContents
- Classification
- Clinical, numerical classification
- Structural classification (binding tissue)
- Functional classification (movement)
- Biomechanical classification
- Clinical significance
- History
- Etymology
- See also
- References
- External links
A joint or articulation (or articular surface) is the connection made between bones, ossicles, or other hard structures in the body which link an animal's skeletal system into a functional whole. They are constructed to allow for different degrees and types of movement. Some joints, such as the knee, elbow, and shoulder, are self-lubricating, almost frictionless, and are able to withstand compression and maintain heavy loads while still executing smooth and precise movements. Other joints such as sutures between the bones of the skull permit very little movement (only during birth) in order to protect the brain and the sense organs. The connection between a tooth and the jawbone is also called a joint, and is described as a fibrous joint known as a gomphosis. Joints are classified both structurally and functionally.
Joints play a vital role in the human body, contributing to movement, stability, and overall function. They are essential for mobility and flexibility, connecting bones and facilitating a wide range of motions, from simple bending and stretching to complex actions like running and jumping. Beyond enabling movement, joints provide structural support and stability to the skeleton, helping to maintain posture, balance, and the ability to bear weight during daily activities. They can be aligned in an optimum manner meaning that such functions are performed more efficiently. This is called joint centration.