Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

8 Muscle, Bone and Joint Injuries

Joints A joint is formed every time two bones come in contact. Joints are held together with a tough tissue called capsule and supported by ligaments. In moving joints, such as the elbow or knee, the ends of the bones are covered with a thin layer of cartilage, a tissue that cushions and protects the joint. Some joints, like the shoulder, allow a circular motion. Other joints in the body act like hinges, such as the knee and elbow. Joints like the ones in the lower back allow only a limited range of movement. Also, joints like those in the skull fuse together during growth to create a solid, bony structure.

Common Joints in the Skeletal System

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