Joints (Articulations)
Joints are structures responsible for joining different bones. They support the weight of the body and allow the movement of bones.
According to their movement, articulations can be classified as:
- Synarthrosis: they do not allow any movement. The joints of the cranial bones are the most typical examples.
- Amphiarthrosis: they allow slight movements. The joints of the vertebrae are the most typical examples.
- Diarthrosis or synovial joints: they allow complete movements. The bones are linked by ligaments. And the part of the bones in contact with other bones are in covered by cartilage. The space between the cartilaginous pieces that cover the bones in the diarthrosis are filled with a liquid that prevent them from friction and it is called synovial fluid.
According to the type of movement, the synovial articulation can be classified as:
