Joints are important parts of the human body, and the joint is a part in which two or more bones meet. The joint allows these bones to move easily, and it differs in its shape and composition according to its function.

What are joints?

The joint is fibrous ligaments that tighten the ends of the bones or cartilage. It may be easily injured due to the strong and intense movement of a particular joint in the body, because the large range of motion helps to reduce the strength of the joint and thus injure it. The joints of the body are classified based on the histological aspect of the joint or the functional aspect, and the amount of movement allowed.

Joint shape and composition

The shape of the joint itself varies according to its location, function, and range of motion. It is in terms of histological composition There are 3 types of joints, namely the fibrous joint, the cartilaginous joint, and the synovial joint.

As for the functional aspect, There are also three types, a non-moving joint, a slightly movable joint and a joint that moves easily and freely. The joints are linked and held together by what are called ligaments.

types of joints

1. Fibrous joint

This joint is fixed and immovable, it connects and welds two bones to each other through its fibrous tissues, and the bones that connect it to each other are usually inflexible. This cohesion makes the two bone masses a very strong bone force. Which is found in this type of joint:

• skull bones.
• The lower and upper jaws in the mouth.

2- Cartilaginous joint

This joint is slightly mobile, within simple movements and does not move in all directions. This joint may combine bones and cartilage, as it has a fibrous cartilaginous layer with which it connects the bones. Among the most famous examples of this type of joint are:

• vertebrae joints
• pubic joints;

This joint can be classified into two types,

Primary cartilaginous joint and secondary cartilaginous joint:

• primary joint, It is a point of capture and attachment between two bones with a hyaline or transparent cartilaginous layer.
• secondary joint, This joint is known as the symphysis, and it connects the bones through fibrous cartilage.

3. Synovial Joint

It is the joint that moves easily and freely, and this type is the most common in the human body. The most characteristic of this type of joint is that it contains synovial joint membranes. In the joint cavity there is a synovial fluid with a high viscosity that covers the articular surface of all the bones that connects them. This is what Allows her to move freely in all directions without friction.

This joint, despite its freedom of movement, is divided into 6 types according to the type of movement it is characterized by, and they are as follows:

1. Ball and socket jointIt allows him to move in all directions, such as the hip and shoulder joints.
2. Saddle jointThis joint moves easily in only two axes, such as flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, but it is not allowed to rotate, like the base of the thumb joint.
3. Subscriber stopsThis joint moves in only one direction, such as flexion and extension, such as the knee or elbow joint.
4. Pivot jointThis joint moves in one direction only and its movement is in the form of rotation.
5. Gliding jointThis joint is level, and the surfaces of the joint slide to avoid and bypass each other, and the bones that this joint connects are similar, such as the joint of the foot and wrist, and the joint between the shoulder and the collarbone.
6. Condyloid jointThis joint allows movement but without rotation, such as bending and straightening. The most famous of this type are the joints of the jaw and fingers

joint function

The function of this organ is movement, and the connection between bones and each other or between bones and cartilage. Among its most famous functions that support body movement are:

• Moving broad, flat surfaces, such as the ankle bone and wrist.
• It can increase or decrease the angle of the two bones that connect them, such as bending and straightening the arm or leg.
• Allowing a part of the body to move circularly, such as the shoulder joint.
• It may allow you to rotate without any displacement of the bones, such as a rotational motion of the head.

The most common joint disease

There are some problems that cause damage to any joint in the body, including:

• ArthritisJoint pain and stiffness, such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
• BursitisIt is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sac that lines the bones to prevent them from rubbing against each other.
• Infection occursThat is, exposure of the inside of the joint to a pathological infection.
• tendinitisIt is irritation and swelling of the tendons that attach to the joint.
• being injuredThe joint may be sprained or strained.

How to keep joints healthy

There are many factors that help keep your joints healthy even as you age, but this certainly does not completely prevent injury But you can still protect your joints with these steps:

• Maintain a healthy body weightBecause being overweight puts more pressure on the joints and increases their inability to carry and move.
• Stay activeStaying in constant motion and activity reduces your exposure to joint stiffness, and do not try to stay in one position for a long time, because this also harms your joints.
• Keep your body strongMaintaining bone and muscle strength strongly supports the stability and health of your joints, so do not neglect simple and useful exercises that guarantee this.
• Be careful when you move Or when performing repeated daily movements such as standing, sitting, etc., and do not carry heavy things, because this will certainly protect your body and joints from pain, injury and damage.
• Keep eating healthy foodBecause healthy food and diet improve the health of the body and joints together, so keep your muscles strong with lean proteins, and your bones with foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.