The term "jointed appendages" refers to appendages that have joints. Jointed appendages are characteristics of the phylum Arthropoda. Legs, wings, and mouthparts are examples of Arthropods' jointed appendages.

Jointed arthropod appendages, often in segmental pairs, have been specialized for various functions: sensing their environment (antennae), capturing and manipulating food (mandibles and maxillae), as well as for walking, jumping, digging, and swimming.

Now the jointed appendages mean that the appendage has the presence of joints in it. These jointed appendages may include legs, wings and mouthparts. These appendages help the arthropods in having greater flexibility and greater range of movement. The joints in the appendages are helpful for the expansion and growth of the exoskeleton.

The word arthropod (from the Greek root words arthro - meaning joint and - pod meaning foot) refers to a unique feature of the group—jointed legs, called appendages, which vary widely in number and function. Appendages are used for eating, feeling, sensing, mating, respiring, walking, or defense.