Your Joints
By definition, joints are areas in the body where two or more bones meet. Joints can be subdivided as follows:
- Fixed
- Slightly moveable
- Moveable synovial joint
Find out more with our dedicated pages :
Fixed What is a fixed joint? It seems to be an oxymoron, but theres a simple explanation |
Ligaments & tendons We find ligaments and tendons throughout the body, both assisting in and limiting movement. |
Moveable synovial joints The category of moveable synovial joint accounts for most of those in the human body. |
Slightly moveable The category of slightly moveable joints describes those in which ligaments prevent much movement. |
Our bodies have evolved a number of features to help our joints work better. These include :
- Cartilage : A wear resistantconnective tissue, cartilage helps reduce the friction of movement
- Synovial membrane : Forming protective capsules, synovial membranes secrete synovial fluid, a clear, sticky fluid that lubricates joints
- Ligaments : ligaments are bands of connective tissue that connect bone to bone.
- Tendons : Another type of connective tissue, these connect bones to muscles, and thus enable us to move.
