Joints are where two bones make contact.

There are three types of joints:

Synarthrosis- meaning immovable (Sutures of the Skull)

Amphiarthrosis- meaning movement is very limited (Intervertebral Joints)

Diarthrosis- meaning able to move freely (Glenohumeral Joint AKA the Shoulder)

There are three classifications that all joints fall within:

Fibrous Joints are the joints in which the bones are connected by fibrous connective tissue. They are called fixed or immovable joints as they do not allow any movement between the bones because their main function is to hold the bones together. These joints do not have a joint cavity and the fibrous tissue which connects the bone is made up of collagen fibers.

Cartilaginous Joints are a type of joint where the bones are entirely joined by cartilage; either hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage. These joints generally allow more movement than fibrous joints yet, less movement than synovial joints. Cartilaginous joints main function is to resist compression and stress making them shock absorbers.

Synovial Joints is a type of joint found between bones that move against each other such as the joints of the limbs, their main function is movement. These joints have a fluid filled joint cavity that separates the articulating surfaces of the bones.