ARTHLOGY Flashcards
How is a joint defined?
A joint is a union between two or more parts of the skeleton.
What are the two main classifications of joints?
Structure and function.
What are the structural classifications of joints?
- Fibrous
- Cartilaginous
- Synovial
What are the functional classifications of joints?
- Immovable
- Slightly movable
- Freely movable
What characterizes fibrous joints?
Fibrous material joins the bone ends together.
What determines the amount of movement in fibrous joints?
The length of the fibers.
What is an example of an immovable fibrous joint?
Sutures, such as between the bones of the skull.
What is an example of a slightly movable fibrous joint?
Syndesmosis, such as between the radius and ulna.
What characterizes cartilaginous joints?
Cartilaginous material joins the bone ends together.
What determines the amount of movement in cartilaginous joints?
The type of cartilage.
What is an example of a primary cartilaginous joint?
Synchondrosis, such as the costochondral joint.
What is an example of a secondary cartilaginous joint?
Symphysis, such as the intervertebral joints.
What are the key features of synovial joints?
- Joint cavity
- Bone ends shaped to fit
- Covered with articular cartilage
- Contains synovial fluid
- Fibrous joint capsule
How are synovial joints classified by structure?
- Hinge
- Pivot
- Ellipsoid
- Condyloid
- Saddle
- Ball & socket
- Plane
What are the classifications of synovial joints based on function?
- Uniaxial
- Biaxial
- Multiaxial
What type of joint is the elbow classified as?
Uniaxial.
What type of movements occur at synovial joints?
- Flexion/Extension
- Abduction/Adduction
- Internal/External rotation
What are ligaments?
Bands of fibrous tissue that occur at all types of joints.
What are the functions of ligaments?
- Act as mechanical constraints
- Prevent unwanted movement
- Limit allowed movement
- Serve as sensory organs for proprioception
What are the three types of ligaments based on their location?
- Capsular
- Extracapsular
- Intracapsular
What is the function of articular discs?
- Act as shock absorbers
- Aid mechanical fit
- Restrain movement
- Assist lubrication
- Permit different movements simultaneously
What are bursae?
Fluid-filled sacs around many synovial joints.
What is the function of bursae?
Reduce friction as structures slide on one another.
