Guiding Questions:

1. What is flexibility and why is it important?
2. What are three benefits of flexibility?
3. What are three factors that can influence flexibility?

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Glossary of Terms

Cartilage -

Firm, rubbery tissue that cushions bones at joints.

Fascia -

Connective tissue that surrounds muscles and separates them into individual muscles and groups.

Flexibility -

Flexibility is defined as the amount of movement or range of motion around a joint or joints.

Hyaline -

Smooth cartilage that covers the ends of bones to allow smooth movement.

Joint –

The junction between two bones.

Ligament -

Tissues that connect bone to bone.

Muscle –

Tissues that are composed of fibers that are contractile, which allow bodily movement.

Musculotendinous Junction -

The area of transition from muscle to tendon.

Stretching -

Stretching is the elongation or increase of tissue length by internal or external forces.

Synovial fluid –

Thick fluid that is encased between joints that acts to reduce friction and lubricate the joint.

Tendon -

Tissues that connect muscle to bone.