Bones, muscles and joints
Bend your elbow. Swing your arm. Two different joints, places where bones meet, do these.
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Step 1 of 3
- Bone gives the body its shape.
- A muscle pulls on bone, joined by a tendon.
- A ligament joins bone directly to bone, at the joint.
Rule
A joint is where bones meet. Muscles pull on bones through tendons. The kind of joint decides which movements are possible.
- Joint — a place where two or more bones meet.
| Joint | Movement | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ball and socket | Every way | Shoulder |
| Hinge | One direction | Elbow, knee |
| Pivot | Turning | Neck |
| Fixed | None | Skull |
The backbone is a stack of small bones with cartilage between them. The cartilage lets the backbone bend a little. The ribs protect the heart and lungs.
Posture is how you sit and stand. Exercise, good posture and food keep bones strong and muscles fit.