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Anatomy & Physiology: Joints and Synovial Joint Features

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What are the three structural classifications of joints?

    Fibrous, Cartilaginous, and Synovial joints.

  • What type of tissue joins bones in fibrous joints and do they have a joint cavity?

    Dense fibrous connective tissue joins bones; fibrous joints have no joint cavity.

  • Give examples of fibrous joints and their mobility.

    Examples: Sutures. Most fibrous joints are immovable or allow very little movement.

  • What unites bones in cartilaginous joints and do they have a joint cavity?

    Bones are united by cartilage and have no joint cavity.

  • Examples of cartilaginous joints and their mobility?

    Examples: Epiphyseal plates, first rib with sternum, intervertebral joints, pubic symphysis. They are not highly movable.

  • What characterizes synovial joints in terms of movement?

    Synovial joints are freely movable and include almost all limb joints.

  • Name the six general features of synovial joints.

    1. Articular cartilage
    2. Joint (synovial) cavity
    3. Articular capsule
    4. Synovial fluid
    5. Reinforcing ligaments
    6. Nerves and blood vessels

  • What is the function of articular cartilage in synovial joints?

    Hyaline cartilage covering bone ends that reduces friction and absorbs shock.

  • What is synovial fluid and its role?

    A viscous, slippery filtrate of plasma and hyaluronic acid that lubricates and nourishes joint structures.

  • What are bursae and tendon sheaths in synovial joints?

    Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction; tendon sheaths are elongated bursae wrapping tendons to reduce friction.

  • What three factors determine synovial joint stability?

    1. Shape of articular surfaces
    2. Ligament number and location
    3. Muscle tone (most important)

  • Define gliding movement in synovial joints.

    One flat bone surface slides or glides over another similar surface.

  • What are angular movements? List examples.

    Movements that increase or decrease the angle between bones: flexion, extension, hyperextension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction.

  • What is rotation in synovial joint movement?

    Turning a bone around its longitudinal axis, including medial and lateral rotation.

  • Describe special movements: supination, pronation, and opposition.

    Supination: rotation of radius and ulna to face palm up.
    Pronation: rotation to face palm down.
    Opposition: thumb movement to touch fingers.

  • Name the six types of synovial joints based on shape and movement.

    Plane, Hinge, Pivot, Condylar (ellipsoid), Saddle, and Ball-and-socket joints.

  • What type of synovial joint is the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint?

    A ball-and-socket joint; most freely moving but less stable.

  • Why are shoulder dislocations common?

    Because the shoulder sacrifices stability for mobility; weakest anteriorly and inferiorly, allowing the humerus to dislocate forward and downward.

  • What are common joint injuries?

    Cartilage tears, sprains (ligament stretch/tear), and dislocations (bones forced out of alignment).

  • What is the role of muscle tone in joint stability?

    Muscle tone keeps tendons taut across joints, reinforcing stability especially in shoulder, knee, and foot arches.