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Anatomy & Physiology: Joints and Movements

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Terms in this set (28)

  • What is a joint?

    A joint is a site where two or more bones meet, allowing varying degrees of movement.

  • How are joints classified structurally?

    Structurally, joints are classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial based on what holds the joint together and presence of a cavity.

  • How are joints classified functionally?

    Functionally, joints are classified as synarthroses (immovable), amphiarthroses (slightly movable), or diarthroses (freely movable).

  • What characterizes fibrous joints?

    Fibrous joints are joined by fibrous connective tissue, have no joint cavity, and allow little to no movement.

  • Name the three types of fibrous joints.

    Sutures (no movement), syndesmoses (limited movement), and gomphoses (peg-in-socket, e.g., tooth socket).

  • What defines cartilaginous joints?

    Cartilaginous joints unite bones with cartilage, lack a joint cavity, and allow limited movement.

  • What are synchondroses and symphyses?

    Synchondroses are joints with hyaline cartilage (e.g., epiphyseal plates). Symphyses have fibrocartilage linking bones (e.g., pubic symphysis).

  • List the six key characteristics of synovial joints.

    Articular cartilage, joint cavity, articular capsule, synovial fluid, reinforcing ligaments, nerves and blood vessels.

  • What is the function of synovial fluid?

    Synovial fluid fills the joint cavity, reducing friction and cushioning the joint.

  • What are bursae and tendon sheaths?

    Bursae are sacs of synovial fluid reducing friction where tissues rub bones; tendon sheaths are elongated bursae around tendons.

  • What factors influence synovial joint stability?

    Articular surface shape, number and tension of ligaments, and muscle tone stabilizing tendons.

  • What is a common injury to cartilage in joints?

    Cartilage injuries, especially in the knee, heal slowly due to poor blood supply and may require arthroscopic surgery.

  • Define dislocation and sprain in joint injuries.

    Dislocation: bones forced out of position; sprain: ligament tear, partial heals slowly, complete may need surgery.

  • What types of movement do synovial joints allow?

    Nonaxial (gliding), uniaxial (one plane), biaxial (two planes), and multiaxial (multiple planes) movements.

  • Describe a plane joint and give an example.

    A plane joint has flat surfaces allowing gliding movements, e.g., intercarpal joints.

  • What is a hinge joint and its movement?

    A hinge joint allows flexion and extension, e.g., elbow joint.

  • Describe a pivot joint and example.

    A pivot joint allows rotation around a single axis, e.g., proximal radioulnar joint.

  • What is a condylar joint?

    A condylar joint has oval articular surfaces allowing movement in two planes, e.g., knuckle joints.

  • Explain the saddle joint.

    A saddle joint resembles a rider in a saddle, permitting greater freedom than condylar joints, e.g., thumb joint.

  • What characterizes ball-and-socket joints?

    Ball-and-socket joints allow multiaxial movement, e.g., shoulder and hip joints.

  • What are the main ligaments stabilizing the knee joint?

    Anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (intracapsular), fibular and tibial collateral ligaments (extracapsular), and menisci.

  • Describe the elbow joint structure and movement.

    The elbow is a hinge joint stabilized by collateral ligaments and the annular ligament, allowing flexion, extension, and rotation of the radius.

  • What stabilizes the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint?

    Rotator cuff tendons provide main stability; coracohumeral ligament and glenoid labrum also contribute.

  • What is the function of the ligamentum teres in the hip joint?

    Ligamentum teres connects femur head to acetabulum; its artery may affect hip joint health but function is unclear.

  • Describe the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) movements.

    TMJ allows hinge movement for jaw opening and sliding for side-to-side motion, stabilized by a lateral ligament and articular disc.

  • What is opposition in joint movements?

    Opposition is the movement of the thumb to touch fingertips, enabling grasping.

  • Define protraction and retraction of the mandible.

    Protraction moves the mandible forward; retraction moves it backward.

  • What are elevation and depression of the mandible?

    Elevation raises the mandible (closing the mouth); depression lowers it (opening the mouth).