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Anatomy & Physiology: Joints (Articulations)

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Terms in this set (27)

  • What is a joint (articulation)?
    A joint is a connection between two or more bones that allows for movement and provides mechanical support.
  • What is the primary function of joints?
    Joints enable movement and provide stability to the skeleton.
  • What are the three structural classifications of joints?
    The three structural classifications are fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial joints.
  • What are the three functional classifications of joints?
    The functional classifications are synarthrosis (immovable), amphiarthrosis (slightly movable), and diarthrosis (freely movable).
  • Example of a fibrous joint
    The sutures between skull bones are fibrous joints.
  • Example of a cartilaginous joint
    The intervertebral discs between vertebrae are cartilaginous joints.
  • Example of a synovial joint
    The knee joint is a synovial joint.
  • What is the generalized structure of a synovial joint?
    A synovial joint has a joint cavity, articular cartilage, a synovial membrane, and a fibrous capsule.
  • What is the function of synovial fluid?
    Synovial fluid lubricates the joint, reduces friction, and nourishes the articular cartilage.
  • Name the six types of synovial joints
    Plane, hinge, pivot, condylar, saddle, and ball-and-socket joints.
  • Example of a plane synovial joint
    Intercarpal joints in the wrist.
  • Example of a hinge synovial joint
    The elbow joint.
  • Example of a pivot synovial joint
    The joint between the atlas and axis vertebrae.
  • Example of a condylar synovial joint
    The metacarpophalangeal joints (knuckles).
  • Example of a saddle synovial joint
    The carpometacarpal joint of the thumb.
  • Example of a ball-and-socket synovial joint
    The shoulder joint.
  • What is a bursa?
    A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tendons, ligaments, and bones.
  • What is a tendon sheath?
    A tendon sheath is a tubular bursa that wraps around a tendon to reduce friction.
  • What are the main movements allowed by synovial joints?
    Gliding, angular (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction), rotation, and special movements.
  • Define flexion and give an example
    Flexion decreases the angle between bones, e.g., bending the elbow.
  • Define extension and give an example
    Extension increases the angle between bones, e.g., straightening the knee.
  • Define abduction and give an example
    Abduction moves a limb away from the midline, e.g., raising the arm sideways.
  • Define adduction and give an example
    Adduction moves a limb toward the midline, e.g., lowering the arm to the side.
  • What is opposition in joint movement?
    Opposition is the movement of the thumb to touch the fingertips.
  • What are common homeostatic imbalances of joints?
    Sprains, dislocations, and arthritis are common inflammatory and degenerative joint conditions.
  • What is a sprain?
    A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament around a joint.
  • What is arthritis?
    Arthritis is inflammation of a joint causing pain and stiffness.