What does the anatomical term "joints" refer to?

The term "joints" specifically refers to the junctions or connections between two or more bones. These sites allow for varying degrees of movement and stability, depending on the type of joint that is formed. Joints play a critical role in the skeletal system, enabling the body to perform a range of movements, from the flexibility of the hip joint to the stability of the joints in the skull.

Supportive tissues, while important for maintaining the structure and function of joints, do not define what a joint is. Similarly, types of muscles pertain to the muscular system, not to the connections between bones. Body cavities refer to spaces within the body that house organs, which is unrelated to the definition of joints. Understanding this distinction is essential for studying anatomy and physiology, particularly in the context of movement and biomechanics in veterinary science.