JOINTS AND MOVEMENT

What is a joint?  A joint is a connection between two or more bones. Joints provide articulation between bones making movement possible.. However some joints do not allow any movement e.g. the joints, between bones of the skull.

Movable joints are of three main types:

Gliding joint

1. e.g., joints which occur between the vertebrae wrists and ankles.
2. The ends of the bones that make the joint are covered with cartilage.
3. The bones are held together by tough ligaments.

Synovial joint

The joint is enclosed by fibrous capsule lined by synovial membrane which secretes synovial fluid into the synovial cavity. The synovial fluid lubricates the joint. They are called synovial joints. They include hinge joint and ball and socket joint.

Hinge joint

1. e.g. knee joint.
2. The joint allows movement in one plane. Ball and socket joint.
3. e.g., hip joint.
4. The joint allows rotation in all directions.