Joints
Joints are areas where two or more bones meet to provide movement which allows the body to complete simple everyday tasks such as bending, stretching, twisting and turning effectively. Joints are a significant part of the Skeletal System as without joints our bodies would not be able to move or perform tasks effectively. Also known as an articulation, most joints have a certain purpose and only move in certain directions. The different types of joints include:
· Fibrous (Immovable) joints: These joints do not provide movement as the bones are fused together which means little to no movement occurs. Examples of Immovable joints include: joints in the skull, joints in the pelvis, teeth, the mandible (lower jaw) or maxilla (upper jaw).
· Cartilaginous (slightly moveable) joints: These joints have two or more tightly held bones which mean little movement is available. Examples of Cartilaginous joints include: the joints between the vertebrae, the between the hipbone and sacrum and joint in the symphysis.
· Synovial (freely moveable) joints: the main purpose of these joints is to provide movement; Synovial joints allow movement in all different directions. Key characteristics of the Synovial joint is: smooth cartilage which surrounds the end of the bone, a joint capsule which is filled with synovial fluid surrounds them and are joined by strong ligaments to stabilize the joint and prevent dislocation. Most joints in the body are synovial joints, examples include:
· Ball and Socket joints: hip joints and shoulder joints.
· Saddle joints: the joints at the base of the thumb.
· Pivot joints: Elbow joint (allows the foreman to turn forwards and backwards).
· Gliding joints: Wrist joints (allow little movement).