PHYSICAL WELLNESS

the body’s flexible connections

JOINTS

Joints are like hinges, pivots, or sliding doors in your body — they connect bones and allow movement. Some joints are highly flexible (like your shoulders), while others are more stable (like your skull), depending on their function.

  • Connect bones to each other

  • Allow a range of movement (bending, twisting, rotating)

  • Provide stability to the skeletal system

  • Absorb shock during activities like walking, running, or jumping

  • Help maintain proper alignment of the skeleton

JOINT BASICS

Common Terms + Simple Definitions

Here’s a mini glossary for joint related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Joint - Place where two or more bones meet

Ligament - Connects bone to bone and stabilizes the joint

Tendon - Connects muscle to bone to create movement at the joint

Cartilage - Smooth tissue that cushions and protects joint surfaces

Synovial Fluid - Lubricating fluid inside joint capsules to reduce friction

Ball-and-Socket Joint - Allows movement in many directions (e.g., shoulder, hip)

Hinge Joint - Allows movement in one direction like a door (e.g., elbow, knee)

WHAT JOINTS WORK WITH

JOINTS + OTHER SYSTEMS

  1. Bones → Provide the rigid structure that joints connect

  2. Muscles → Pull on bones across joints to create movement

  3. Ligaments → Stabilize joints by connecting bones to bones

  4. Tendons → Help transfer muscle force across joints

  5. Cartilage → Cushions joints and reduces friction during movement

  6. Nervous System → Sends signals to coordinate movement and maintain balance

HealthY JOINTS…

Joints are the flexible points that make movement possible. Healthy joints allow fluid motion, protect bones from wear, and keep the body aligned and balanced. Without them, even the strongest muscles and bones couldn’t function effectively.