How your Joints work

A human body has number of joints that allow it to bend and twist. These bends and twists allow a person to perform different functions like walking, writing, jumping, dancing, etc. A joint is nothing but a point where two or more bones meet. A human body has four types of joints. These are sutures, hinge, ball & socket and gliding joints. Each of these joints provide different kinds of flexibility and movement to the body. For example, hinge joints allow movement only in one direction as in the elbow and knee, whereas ball and socket joint allow movement in a complete circle as in the shoulder.

Whichever kind of joint it is, the basic anatomy of the joint is similar i.e. it has a ligament and cartilage. Ligament is like a muscle that joins two bones, whereas cartilage is a smooth & elastic tissue that gives a cushion to the joint and prevents bones from rubbing against each other.