Human Anatomy
Joints
Joints are the areas where two or more bones meet. Most joints are mobile, allowing the bones to move. Joints consist of the following:
- Cartilage – it is a connective tissue, which is made up of cells and fibers and is wear-resistant. Cartilage helps reduce the friction of movement.
- Sensorial membrane – it is a tissue called the sensorial membrane lines the joint and seals it into a joint capsule. The sensorial membrane has sensorial fluid which is a clear and sticky around the joint to lubricate it.
- Ligaments these are tough, elastic bands of connective tissue surround the joint to give support and limit the joint's movement.
- Tendons - tendons are another type of tough connective tissue located on each side of a joint attach to muscles. It controls movement of the joint.
- Bursas – these are fluid-filled sacs between bones, ligaments, or other adjacent structures help cushion the friction in a joint.
- Sinovial fluid – as described earlier it is a clear, sticky fluid secreted by the sensorial membrane.
- Femur - the thighbone.
- Tibia - the shinbone.
- Patella - the kneecap.
- Meniscus - a curved part of cartilage in the knees and other joints.
TYPES OF JOINTS –
There are many types of joints, including movable and immovable, such as the suture joints in the skull. Joints that do not move are called "fixed." Other joints may move a little, such as the vertebrae. Examples of mobile joints include the following:
- Ball-and-socket joints
Ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder and hip joints, allow backward, forward, sideways, and rotating movements.
- Hinge joints
Hinge joints, such as in the fingers, knees, elbows, and toes, allow only bending and straightening movements.
- Pivot joints
Pivot joints, such as the neck joints, allow limited rotating movements.
- Ellipsoidal joints
Ellipsoidal joints, such as the wrist joint, allows all types of movement except pivotal movements
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