Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How do joints hold the skeleton together while allowing movement?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
human skeleton
Front and back views of the human skeleton.
Joints, or articulations, are the points where two or more bones meet, serving as the structural junctions that hold the skeleton together while enabling varying degrees of movement.1
How Joints Balance Stability and Movement
Rather than acting as simple fasteners, joints are complex structures supported by a variety of tissues that balance the need for cohesion with the requirement for mobility:
- Connective Tissue Support: Joints are stabilized by ligaments, which are bands of collagen fibers that connect bones, guide motion, and prevent excessive movement that could lead to injury. Other supporting structures include cartilage, tendons, and muscles.123
- Muscular and Gravitational Forces: Contrary to early anatomical beliefs, ligaments are not primarily responsible for holding joint surfaces together at rest; instead, bones are typically pressed together by the action of muscles or gravity.3
- Structural Classification:
- Synovial Joints: These contain a fluid-filled cavity that allows for the greatest range of motion. They feature a synovial membrane that secretes synovial fluid for lubrication and fatty pads that contribute to internal streamlining.14
- Nonsynovial Joints: These include fibrous and cartilaginous joints, which are connected by dense tissue or cartilage, allowing for limited or no movement.15