What does the term 'articulation' refer to?

The term 'articulation' primarily refers to the action or manner in which parts come together at a joint. This encompasses not just the physical structure of the connection between bones, but also how they interact and move relative to one another. Understanding articulation involves examining how these joints function, including range of motion, stability, and the type of movements they allow, such as flexion, extension, rotation, and others.

In contrast to this, while the junction of two bones and the structural relationship between muscles and bones are relevant concepts, they do not capture the dynamic aspect of how these parts work together at a joint as comprehensively as the action or manner of connection. Similarly, while the type of movement occurring at a joint is related to articulation, it is only one element of the overall understanding of how parts articulate. Therefore, the interaction and functionality at the joint is what defines articulation most accurately.