Joint & Muscle Health

A joint is where two or more bones are joined together. Joints can be movable, like knees, or rigid, like the joints between the bones in your skull. Cartilage cushions the ends of bones where they meet and enables them to move smoothly and easily against each other. Synovial fluid fills spaces in the joint with the synovial membrane keeping it in place, helping your cartilage stay healthy. Skeletal muscles are voluntary muscles, which are controlled by your somatic nervous system. You direct how and when they work. They comprise 30 to 40 percent of your total body mass. They connect to your bones and allow you to perform functions like walking, chewing, maintaining your posture, and expanding your airway. They enable you to move your bones and help to protect and stabilize your joints. Involuntary muscles are the cardiac and smooth muscles, they are controlled by your autonomic nervous system. Cardiac muscles in your heart pump blood through your body. Smooth muscles make up your organs, blood vessels, digestive tract, skin and other areas. They help blood vessels contract or expand and keep food moving through your intestines. Keeping your joints and muscles healthy lets you move your body as intended and enjoy physical activity. A balanced diet, plenty of movement, and the right amount of sleep will help your joints and muscles stay healthy.