Cartilage is a hard, strong connective tissue that provides support for some soft tissues and forms a sliding area for joints so that bones can move easily.

During development (before birth) cartilage forms most of the skeleton.It is gradually replaced by bone. In a mature individual it is found mainly at the end of bones, in the nose, trachea, and in association with the ribs and vertebrae.

Skeletal System

Skeletal System

A ligament is a band of tough fibrous connective tissue that connects one bone to another, serving to support and strengthen a joint.

Skeletal System

Tendons connect muscles to bones. They are specialized skeletal structures that generally transmit muscular pull to bones.

Skeletal System

A joint is where two or more bones meet.

Joints can be classified as:

Fibrous Cartilaginous Synovial

Distinguish between the three types of joints listed above in relation to movement allowed.

Joint type tutorial

Skeletal System

Joint type video clip

Joint types

Fibrous (synarthrodial): This type of joint is held together by only a ligament. Examples are where the teeth are held to their bony sockets and at both the radioulnar and tibiofibular joints.

Skeletal System

Joint typesCartilagenous (synchondroses and sympheses): These joints occur where the connection between the articulating bones is made up of cartilage for example between vertebrae in the spine.

Synchondroses are temporary joints which are only present in children, up until the end of puberty. For example the epiphyseal plates in long bones. Symphesis joints are permanant cartilagenous joints, for example the pubic symphesis.

Skeletal System

Joint types

Synovial (diarthrosis): are by far the most common classification of joint within the human body. They are highly moveable and all have a synovial capsule (collagenous structure) surrounding the entire joint.

Skeletal System