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Anatomy & Physiology: Joint Types and Movements

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Terms in this set (28)

  • What is an articulation or joint?
    A joint or articulation is the connection between two bones that allows for movement and provides mechanical support.
  • Define synarthroses.
    Synarthroses are immovable joints where bones are tightly connected, such as sutures in the skull.
  • What are amphiarthroses?
    Amphiarthroses are slightly movable joints, like the pubic symphysis or intervertebral discs.
  • Describe diarthroses.
    Diarthroses are freely movable synovial joints, such as the shoulder or knee joints.
  • What is a synchondrosis?
    A synchondrosis is a cartilaginous joint where bones are joined by hyaline cartilage, often temporary like the epiphyseal plate.
  • Define symphyses.
    Symphyses are cartilaginous joints where bones are joined by fibrocartilage, providing strength and flexibility, e.g., the pubic symphysis.
  • What characterizes synovial joints?
    Synovial joints have a fluid-filled joint cavity allowing free movement, lined by a synovial membrane.
  • What are menisci in joints?
    Menisci are crescent-shaped fibrocartilage pads in some synovial joints that improve fit and absorb shock.
  • Define bursae.
    Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between tendons, ligaments, and bones near joints.
  • What are tendon sheaths?
    Tendon sheaths are tubular bursae that wrap around tendons to reduce friction during movement.
  • What is the origin of a muscle?
    The origin is the fixed attachment point of a muscle, usually proximal or on a less movable bone.
  • Define insertion in muscle anatomy.
    The insertion is the movable attachment point of a muscle, typically distal or on the bone that moves.
  • What is extension?
    Extension is a movement that increases the angle between two bones, straightening a joint.
  • Define flexion.
    Flexion is a movement that decreases the angle between two bones, bending a joint.
  • What is abduction?
    Abduction is the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body.
  • Define adduction.
    Adduction is the movement of a limb toward the midline of the body.
  • What is rotation in joint movement?
    Rotation is the turning of a bone around its own longitudinal axis.
  • Explain eversion.
    Eversion is the movement of the sole of the foot away from the midline, turning outward.
  • What is inversion?
    Inversion is the movement of the sole of the foot toward the midline, turning inward.
  • Define pronation.
    Pronation is the rotation of the forearm so the palm faces downward or backward.
  • What is supination?
    Supination is the rotation of the forearm so the palm faces upward or forward.
  • Explain dorsiflexion.
    Dorsiflexion is the movement that decreases the angle between the dorsum (top) of the foot and the leg.
  • What is plantar flexion?
    Plantar flexion is the movement that increases the angle between the dorsum of the foot and the leg, pointing the toes downward.
  • Define protraction.
    Protraction is the anterior movement of a body part in the transverse plane.
  • What is retraction?
    Retraction is the posterior movement of a body part in the transverse plane.
  • Explain elevation.
    Elevation is the upward movement of a body part.
  • What is depression in anatomy?
    Depression is the downward movement of a body part.
  • Define opposition.
    Opposition is the movement of the thumb to touch the fingertips, enabling grasping.