Human Joint structure
The musculoskeletal system provides an important function of our body. It provides form, stability and movement to the body. A main part of the musculoskeletal system is the joint. The word joint is used to describe how bones are connected to other bones and muscle fibers using connective tissue such as tendons and ligaments.
There are different types of joints. Some joints, such as the shoulder and the hip joint, are formed with a ball and socket type joint. Other joints, such as the elbow or knee, are formed where the ends of two or more bones come together.
Joints consist of bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissue. Muscles keep the bones in place and also through contraction or extension help move the bones. Cartilage prevents the bone ends from rubbing directly on to each other. Cartilage is not as hard and rigid as bone, but is stiffer and less flexible than muscle. Tendons are bands of fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones. Ligaments are bands of fibrous tissue that connect the ends of bones together to form a joint. |
