What are joints and bones?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Bones provide structure, protect organs, produce blood cells, store minerals, and help regulate blood acidity, and joints are the connections between bones that can allow for movement or be immobile. The most common type of joint is the synovial joint, which features a fluid-filled cavity and cartilage for smooth movement.

    Bones not only provide shape to our bodies and protection for our organs but also produce red and white blood cells, act as a store for minerals like calcium and phosphorus, and help regulate blood acidity.[1] Joints are simply the spaces where bones meet. Some joints allow for a movement, such as knee joints, whereas others don’t, such as the joints between skull bones. The most common type of joint in the body — and the one that probably most easily comes to mind — are synovial joints, which are surrounded by a fluid-filled cavity and also contain cartilage to help with smooth movement.[1]