Joints of the Human Body *Where two bones come together is called a joint. *Three (3) kinds of joints: 1) Immoveable – ex. Fused bones of the skull 2) Slightly moveable – small amount of movement is possible. Ex. Vertebrae 3) Fully moveable – joint is contained within a special capsule, with a ligament helping to hold the bones in place.

*Ligaments are connective tissue which are flexible and have a small amount of elasticity. To prevent friction there is cartilage synovial membrane that lines the capsule and secretes synovial fluid. *The capsule forms a tight seal around the joint to prevent the fluid from escaping

*Moveable joints are grouped according to some special characteristics they posses. *Ball-and–socket allows movement in almost any direction ex. Shoulder and hip.

*Hinge – allows movement in one plane only. Two way ex. Elbow and knee

Pivot – radial or circular motion. Ex. Radius at elbow, neck (side to side)

Gliding – more limited movement, one part slides over another ex. Vertebrae, hands, feet