JOINTS
A joint is the location at which two or more bones make contact. Joints are constructed to allow movement and provide mechanical support, and are classified based on their structure and their function. Joints can also be classified based on their anatomy or on their biomechanical properties. According to the anatomic classification, joints are subdivided into simple and compound, depending on the number of bones involved, and into complex and combination joints:
- Simple Joint: 2 articulation surfaces (e.g. shoulder joint, hip joint)
- Compound Joint: 3 or more articulation surfaces (e.g. radiocarpal joint)
Complex Joint: 2 or more articulation surfaces and an articular disc or meniscus (e.g. knee joint).
(Sources: Medline Plus/ Wikipedia)
