Intro to Arthrology

Question 1

Arthrology

Answer 1

The science concerned with the anatomy, function, dysfunction, and treatment of joints

Question 2

Joint

Answer 2

• AKA articulation or arthrosis
• Point of articulation between two or more bones, allowing motion
• Specialized structures made up of connective tissue that allow flexibility through specific movements meant to support our frame and give us mobility
• Point of contact between two or more bones, cartilage and bone, or teeth and bone
• Space between two bones

Question 3

Functions of Joints (5)

Answer 3

1) Allows for physical movement and agility (fluidity of movement)
2) Structure and stability to the form of the skeleton
3) Point for absorption and transferring of compressive forces/shock
4) Provides a space for circulation of fluids and nutrients to the articulating cartilages of bone
5) Point of leverage for function of muscles

Question 4

Naming joints

Answer 4

Taken from names of the bones that articulate with each other

Question 5

Classification of Joints (2)

Answer 5

1) Function (movement)

2) Structure (composition)

Question 6

Degrees of movement (based on function) (3)

Answer 6

1) Synarthrotic
2) Amphiarthrotic
3) Diarthrotic

Question 7

Synarthrotic

Answer 7

Immoveable joints (sutures)
- May be fibrous or cartilaginous
*Axial skeleton
Ex skull sutures

Question 8

Amphiarthrotic

Answer 8

Slightly moveable joints
- May be fibrous or cartilaginous
*Axial skeleton
Ex Pubic symphysis; fibrous connection; intervertebral discs

Question 9

Diarthrotic

Answer 9

Freely moveable joints

• All synovial joints are diarthrotic
• Prominent in appendicular skeleton

Question 10

Structure of the joint (3)

Answer 10

1) Fibrous
2) Cartilaginous
3) Synovial
“So F’in SAD”

Question 11

Fibrous Joints

Answer 11

Bones connected by fibrous tissue

*No joint cavity

Question 12

Types of Fibrous Joints (3)

Answer 12

1) Sutures (Ex skull sutures)
2) Syndesmosis (Ex between radius and ulna; distal tibiofibular joint)
3) Gomphoses (teeth)

Question 13

Cartilaginous Joints

Answer 13

Bones are united by cartilage

*No joint cavity

Question 14

Types of Cartilaginous Joints (2)

Answer 14

1) Synchondrosis (Ex 1st sternocostal joint)

2) Symphysis (Ex intervertebral joints; pubic symphysis joint)

Question 15

Synovial Joints

Answer 15

• Facilitate movement and stability. Most moveable!
• Posses a joint cavity (synovial cavity with synovial fluid)
• Have articular cartilage (covers ends of opposing bones)
• Have an articular capsule (encloses joint cavity)
• Contain associated structures

Question 16

Structures Associated with Joints (6)

Answer 16

1) Ligaments
2) Tendons
3) Articular discs/Menisci
4) Fat Pads
5) Bursae
6) Nerves and Blood Supply

Question 17

Ligaments

Answer 17

• Attach bone to bone

- Joint capsule is continuous with the periosteum of the articulating bones

Question 18

Accessory Ligaments

Answer 18

• Localized thickenings of joint capsule

- Reinforce and strengthen it; may also limit rotation

Question 19

Sprain

Answer 19

When a ligament is stretched/injured to the point at which collagen fibers are torn and disrupted

Question 20

Avulsion Fracture

Answer 20

When the attached bone breaks before the ligament. Ligaments are strong!

Question 21

Types of Ligaments (2)

Answer 21

1) Intracapsular

2) Extracapsular

Question 22

Intracapsular

Answer 22

Found INSIDE the capsule

Help prevent extreme movements (Ex’s PCL; ACL)

Question 23

Extracapsular

Answer 23

OUTSIDE of the joint capsule (Ex’s MCL; LCL)

Question 24

Tendons

Answer 24

• Attach muscle to bone
• Not part of the articulation itself
• May limit range of motion and provide mechanical support (Ex muscles of arm bracing for shoulder joint)

Question 25

Strain

Answer 25

Injury to a muscle

Question 26

Articular Discs or Menisci

Answer 26

• Fibrocartilage pads
• Stabilize joint by improving fit of articulating surfaces
• Contribute to joint movement and shock absorption
• A Meniscus (crescent shaped) sits within a synovial joint between opposing bones
• Both may subdivide a synovial cavity, channel the flow of synovial fluid, or allow for variations in the shapes of articular surfaces

Question 27

Fat Pads

Answer 27

• Masses of adipose tissue surrounded by a synovial membrane
• Commonly superficial to a joint capsule
• Protect articular cartilages and act as packing material for joint
• Fat pads fill the spaces created when bones move as joint cavity changes shape

Question 28

Bursae (bursa)

Answer 28

• Small, fluid-filled pockets in connective tissue
• Contain fluid (similar to synovial but NOT) and lined by a synovial membrane
• May be connected to joint capsule or separate
• Form where a tendon or ligament rub against other tissues
• Reduce friction and act as shock absorber
• Found around most synovial joints (Ex sub acromial bursa)

Question 29

Nerves and Blood Supply

Answer 29

• Bones and joints are alive!
• Nerves that supply a joint are same as those that supply the skeletal muscles that move the joint
• Numerous arteries and veins supply joints and surrounding structures
• Joints also have specialized receptors for detecting where the body is in space so nervous system can coordinate muscular contractions for stability