Joint | |
---|---|
Details | |
System | Musculoskeletal system Articular system |
Identifiers | |
Latin | articulus, junctura, articulatio |
MeSH | D007596 |
TA98 | A03.0.00.000 |
TA2 | 1515 |
FMA | 7490 |
Anatomical terminology |
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.[1][2][3] 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.[3] 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.[3] 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.[4]