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Joints

A joint is where two bones meet. Joints allow movement in the body.

Ball and socket joints

Ball and socket joints

  • Ball and socket joints allow full movement.
    • Examples of ball and socket joints include the hip and shoulder.
    • One bone is ball-shaped and the other is like a bowl.
  • It is a bit like if you clench your fist and hold it in your other hand.
Hinge joints

Hinge joints

  • Hinge joints are like door hinges.
  • They only allow movement forwards and backward.
    • Examples include the elbow and the knee.
How do joints move?

How do joints move?

  • Muscles can only pull. They can not push.
  • To move a joint, muscles must work in pairs.
    • These are called antagonistic muscles.
  • When one antagonistic muscle contracts the other muscle in the pair relaxes and vice versa.
  • Examples include:
    • Bicep and triceps.
    • Quadricep and hamstring.
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