Joints

The meeting point between two or more bones is called a joint. It is this connection allows motion.

The configuration of a joint determines the degree and direction of possible motion.

The components of joints provide stability and reduce the risk of damage from constant use. The ends of the bones are covered with cartilage?a smooth protective tissue that reduces friction as joints move. They also have a lining (synovial tissue) that encloses them to form the capsule. Cells in the synovial tissue produce a small amount of clear fluid (synovial fluid), which provides nourishment to the cartilage and further reduces friction while facilitating movement.

Here is a look at the several types of joints:

• Ball and Socket: This allows for a wide range of rotation and movement. An example would be the shoulder and hip.
  
  
• Condyloid: This allows movement but no rotation. They are found in the jaw and fingers.
  
  
• Gliding: This allows bones to glide past each other. These are in your ankles, wrists and spine.
  
  
• Hinge: This allows for movement much like that of a door hinge. The knee and ulna part of the elbow are an example.
  
  
• Pivot: This allows bones to spin and twist around other bones. There are pivots in the neck and the radius part of the elbow.
  
  
• Saddle: This allows for back and forth and side to side motion but limited rotation. An example of this is in the thumb.

Regular exercise will keep you mobile and lubricated so you can perform daily activities with ease.