Fundamentals: Anatomy - Overview of the skeletal system Flashcards
What is cartilage?
Resilient semi-rigid form of connective tissue
Describe the three types of cartilage and give examples of each
- Hyaline cartilage (e.g. ribs, nose, trachea)
- Fibrocartilage (e.g. intervertebral discs, joint capsules, ligaments)
- Elastic cartilage (e.g. external ear, epiglottis, larynx)
What is the most common form of cartilage?
Hyaline
What is the weakest form of cartilage?
Hyaline
Which forms of cartilage have a perichondrium?
Hyaline and elastic
What is perichondrium?
Fibrous connective tissue surrounding cartilage which provides nutritional support and aids tendon/ligament attachment
Which form of cartilage is a precursor to bone?
Hyaline
Which form of cartilage maintains its shape?
Elastic
What is the strongest form of cartilage?
Fibrocartilage
Describe the three types of joints and give examples of each
- Fibrous (e.g. cranial sutures, dento-alveolar syndesmosis)
- Cartilaginous: may be primary and usually temporary (e.g. epiphyseal plate) or secondary aka symphyses (e.g. intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, sternomanubrium)
- Synovial (e.g. knee, elbow)
What is a fibrous joint?
Where bones are united by fibrous tissue, with degree of movement determined by length of fibres
Solid with no joint cavity
What is a cartilaginous joint?
Bones united by hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage
No joint cavity
What is a synovial joint?
Bones united by joint capsule composed of an outer fibrous layer lined by a serous synovial membrane
Joint cavity is a potential space containing small amount of synovial fluid, with articulating surfaces of bones within the cavity covered in articular (hyaline) cartilage
What four factors contribute to joint stability?
- Bone: congruity of articular surfaces
- Ligamentous: fibrous capsule (intrinsic), collaterals, cruciates, accessory (e.g. ACJ)
- Muscular: more important in mobile joints (e.g. rotator cuff, popliteal)
- Other: fibrocartilage, menisci, labrum
