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Definition

The surface of a joint at which the ends of the bones meet.

Supplement

Joints may be classified based on the articulation surfaces involved:

• simple joints - when two articulation surfaces meet (e.g. shoulder joint)
• compound joints - when three or more articular surfaces are involved (e.g. radiocarpal joint)
• complex joints - when 2 or more articular surfaces and an articular disc or meniscus are involved (e.g. knee joint)

Synonym: articulation joint, facies articularis.