Child Health A-Z

Anatomy of a Joint

What is a joint?

Joints are the areas where two bones meet. Most joints are mobile, allowing the bones to move. Joints consist of the following:

cartilage - at the joint, the bones are covered with cartilage (a connective tissue), which is made up of cells and fibers and is wear-resistant. Cartilage helps reduce the friction of movement.
synovial membrane - a tissue called the synovial membrane lines the joint and seals it into a joint capsule. The synovial membrane secretes synovial fluid (a clear, sticky fluid) around the joint to lubricate it.
ligaments - strong ligaments (tough, elastic bands of connective tissue) surround the joint to give support and limit the joint's movement.
tendons - tendons (another type of tough connective tissue) on each side of a joint attach to muscles that control movement of the joint.
bursas - fluid-filled sacs, called bursas, between bones, ligaments, or other adjacent structures help cushion the friction in a joint.
synovial fluid - a clear, sticky fluid secreted by the synovial membrane.
femur - the thigh bone.
tibia - the shin bone.
patella - the knee-cap.
meniscus - a curved part of cartilage in the knees and other joints.

Examples of the hip and knee joints follow:

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What are the different types of joints?

There are many different types of joints and they are classified according to structure and their ability to move. Joints that do not move are called "fixed." Other joints may move a little, such as the vertebrae. Examples of mobile joints include:

ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder and hip joints - allow backward, forward, sideways, and rotating movements
hinge joints, such as in the fingers, knees, elbows, and toes - allow only bending and straightening movements
pivot joints, such as the neck joints - allow limited rotating movements
ellipsoidal joints, such as the wrist joints - allow all types of movement except pivotal movements