What term describes the bone ends that come together to form a joint?

The term that describes the bone ends that come together to form a joint is "articulation." In anatomy, an articulation is the point where two or more bones meet, enabling movement and providing mechanical support. It encompasses both the bone ends and the surrounding structures, highlighting the functional aspect of joints.

Understanding this term is crucial in sports medicine and anatomy because it helps in identifying various types of joints (such as hinge, ball-and-socket, or pivot joints) and their functions in the musculoskeletal system. Recognizing the structure of articulations can also aid in diagnosing joint injuries and developing appropriate treatment strategies.

The other terms, while related to joints, describe different components involved in joint structures. The joint capsule is a layer that encases the joint and provides stability, while synovial membrane lines the joint capsule and produces synovial fluid for lubrication. Ligaments are bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones at a joint, providing additional support but are not the bone ends themselves. Therefore, articulation is the most accurate term for the meeting points of bone ends in a joint.