Joint

For other uses, see Joint (disambiguation).

A joint is the place where two or more bones make contact.^[1] They allow movement (except for skull bones) and give mechanical support.^[2]

The olecranon, a joint.

a typical joint

Joints have cartilage in between them, which help to make the movement flexible. Joints are described structurally and functionally. Structural classification is how the bones connect to each other; function is the degree of movement between the articulating bones.

Synovial bursa

A synovial bursa is a small fluid-filled sac lined by a synovial membrane. It has an inner capillary layer of viscous synovial fluid (bit like raw egg white). The bursa is a cushion between bones and tendons and/or muscles around a joint. This helps to reduce friction between the bones and allows free movement.

References

1. "Joint definition". eMedicine Dictionary. 27 April 2011. Archived from the original on 22 January 2012. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
2. Ellis, Harold; Susan Standring; Gray, Henry David (2005). Gray's anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone. p. 38. ISBN 0-443-07168-3.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)