The number of joints in the human body can vary depending on the definition used. Most experts agree that a joint is any place where two bones meet. Using this definition, adults have around 350 joints. However, some experts argue that only places where two bones meet and move should be considered joints.
There are various types of joints in the human body, including:
- Fibrous Joints: These joints have no joint cavity and are held together by dense connective tissue. Examples include the sutures in the skull.
- Cartilaginous Joints: These joints have a joint cavity filled with cartilage and are held together by hyaline or fibrocartilage. Examples include the joints between the ribs and the sternum.
- Synovial Joints: These joints are the most common type and are characterized by a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid. Examples include the joints in the knee, shoulder, and elbow.
