The locomotor system includes the bones of the skeleton, the joints between them and the muscles involved in maintaining posture and producing movement. It is devoid of nerves and blood supply. The subchondral bone supports articular cartilage and largely determines the shape of the joint surfaces. Synovial membranes may also be present in association with bursae and tendon sheaths.
Fibrous tissue is present in the joint capsule, ligaments and tendinous insertions of muscles.
The clinical and pathological features of joint disease vary depending on the cause and duration of the lesions.