Importance of Joints, in Biology

Serena Cuoghi
Title of Professor of Biology

Joints are important structures present in the skeletal system of the human body and other animals. vertebrates, which allow the movement and flexibility of the extremities and with it the agility and dexterity of the body in general. Activities such as dancing and performing complex gymnastic movements are possible thanks to the fact that the joints also give us the opportunity to further expand body flexibility. as a consequence of the stimulation of the increase in the elasticity of the soft and connective tissues of the joints, through controlled and progressive exercises of stretching.

In this same sense, these body structures are the key to the body's ability to move and carry out daily activities, from walking and running, even lifting heavy objects, functions that we perform through gross motor skills, while events such as writing, drawing and picking up and processing tiny objects we owe it to a fine motor skills that our own technological evolution has led us to take advantage of every once again.

From obvious to imperceptible movement

There are two main types of joints: 1) fixed joints, such as those in the skull, which hold the bones in place and do not allow movement; and 2) movable joints, such as the knees, ankles, and elbows, which allow a wide range of motion and provide mobility and flexibility to the body.

As if that were not enough, these highly functional parts of the skeleton also play an essential role in maintaining posture and balance. The vertebral column, for example, is made up of movable joints which allow movement and help maintain an anatomical posture that uplifts the rest of the body. body and gives mobility to the torso, while the shoulder and hip joints have an important function for balance and stability during movement.

Beyond even their fundamental motor and kinetic role, the joints play a role in the protection of bones and soft tissues such as cartilage, helping to cushion the impacts and protect the bones from injury, because if we had completely rigid limbs, the bones would be much more likely to break due to some excess stress or stress. pressure.

Impeded flexibility

However, over time and with excessive use, joints can also become damaged and worn. Arthritis, for example, is a common condition that affects the joints, with this and its more widespread counterpart, osteoarthritis, being the main causes. of conditions, ailments and even disability in the elderly, product of the wear of the cartilage, the joints and the apical areas of the bones.

Other conditions that can affect the joints include sports injuries, which can cause wear due to excessive use. and poor posture when exerting forces, while autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can occur by multiple factors and although they are more frequent in advanced adulthood and old age, they could well be generated at any other time of life. life.

Taking care of our mobility

To prevent possible damage to the joints it is observed: lead an active lifestyle, exercise regularly as a strengthen the muscles and even the bones themselves, maintain a weight according to the natural dimensions of the body and lead a lifestyle healthy, avoiding excesses and chemical substances that also tend to degenerate the soft tissues that allow the functioning of the joints.

In the same way, it is essential to take measures to protect the joints during activities that may compromise their functionality, such as lifting weights or running. on hard surfaces, in this sense, using the appropriate footwear and assuming the correct lifting techniques are very useful when it comes to protecting the joints.

Although it is true that some joint injuries may be unavoidable, due to the fact that there are also genetic predispositions that lead us to it, identifying the presence of any joint condition in time to adopt the appropriate early treatment, is of great help to avoid further damage and prolong the mobility and flexibility of the body as much as possible, maintaining the quality of life of those who see affected.

References

Salvat Library (1973). The evolution of the spices. Barcelona, ​​Spain. Salvat Editors.

Hickman, C. et al. (1998) Integral Principles of Zoology. 11th Ed. Madrid, Spain. McGraw-Hill Interamericana.

Marrero, R. c. M., Rull, I. M., & Cunillera, M. Q. (2005). Clinical biomechanics of the tissues and joints of the locomotor system. Masson.

Mazza, B. (2019). Degenerative joint disease in the appendicular skeleton of hunter-gatherers from the southern La Plata basin. Atacameño Studies, (63), 171-194.