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Anatomy & Physiology: Joints Overview

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Terms in this set (23)

  • Basic functions of joints

    Joints connect bones, allow movement, provide mechanical support, and absorb shock.

  • Structural classification of joints

    Joints are classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial based on the type of connective tissue binding the bones.

  • Functional classification of joints

    Joints are classified as synarthrosis (immovable), amphiarthrosis (slightly movable), or diarthrosis (freely movable) based on movement.

  • Three subclasses of fibrous joints

    Sutures, syndesmoses, and gomphoses differ by the length and type of connective tissue fibers.

  • Function of sutures

    Sutures are immovable fibrous joints found between skull bones, providing protection and stability.

  • Function of syndesmoses

    Syndesmoses are slightly movable fibrous joints where bones are connected by ligaments, e.g., the distal tibiofibular joint.

  • Function of gomphoses

    Gomphoses are immovable fibrous joints that anchor teeth into their sockets via the periodontal ligament.

  • Two subclasses of cartilaginous joints

    Synchondroses (hyaline cartilage) and symphyses (fibrocartilage) differ in cartilage type and mobility.

  • Function of synchondroses

    Synchondroses are immovable joints like the epiphyseal plate, where bones are joined by hyaline cartilage.

  • Function of symphyses

    Symphyses are slightly movable joints with fibrocartilage pads, e.g., the pubic symphysis and intervertebral discs.

  • Structural components of a synovial joint

    Includes articular cartilage, joint cavity, synovial membrane, synovial fluid, fibrous capsule, and often ligaments.

  • Comparison of synovial joints with fibrous and cartilaginous joints

    Synovial joints are freely movable with a fluid-filled cavity, unlike the immovable or slightly movable fibrous and cartilaginous joints.

  • Functional classes of synovial joints

    All synovial joints are diarthroses, allowing free movement in various planes.

  • Types of movements at synovial joints

    Include gliding, angular (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction), rotation, and special movements like supination and pronation.

  • Structural types of synovial joints

    Include plane, hinge, pivot, condyloid, saddle, and ball-and-socket joints.

  • Examples of plane synovial joints

    Found in intercarpal and intertarsal joints; allow gliding movements.

  • Examples of hinge synovial joints

    Include the elbow and knee; allow flexion and extension.

  • Examples of pivot synovial joints

    Include the atlantoaxial joint; allow rotational movement.

  • Examples of condyloid synovial joints

    Found in the wrist; allow movement in two planes without rotation.

  • Examples of saddle synovial joints

    Found in the thumb carpometacarpal joint; allow biaxial movement including opposition.

  • Examples of ball-and-socket synovial joints

    Include the shoulder and hip; allow movement in all planes including rotation.

  • Structural comparison: knee vs. elbow

    The knee is a complex hinge joint with multiple ligaments and menisci; the elbow is a simpler hinge joint with strong ligament support.

  • Structural comparison: shoulder vs. hip

    The shoulder is a shallow ball-and-socket joint allowing greater mobility; the hip is deeper and more stable but less mobile.