What is the term for a connection between two or more bones of the skeleton?

The term for a connection between two or more bones of the skeleton is a joint. Joints play a crucial role in the skeletal system, allowing for movement and flexibility between the bones they connect. They can vary significantly in structure and function, such as hinge joints (like the knee) that allow for bending and straightening, and ball-and-socket joints (like the shoulder) that allow for a wide range of movement.

While ligaments, tendons, and cartilage are also important components of the musculoskeletal system, they serve different functions. Ligaments connect bones to other bones, providing stability and support to the joints but are not the joints themselves. Tendons attach muscles to bones, enabling movement when muscles contract. Cartilage is a flexible tissue that provides cushioning and support in joints but does not connect bones in the way a joint does. Understanding the role of joints in connecting bones is fundamental to comprehending how the skeleton facilitates movement and provides structure to the body.