Joints

Question 1

Classify joints using the gross anatomical classification, giving an example of each
type?

Answer 1

1) Fibrous = bone joints (ends) are joined by fibrous connective tissue (specifically dense connective tissue). Joints are immovable. e.g. sutures
2) Cartilage = joints that connected by cartilage. Joints are immovable e.g. pubis
3) Synovial = joints have a joint cavity, which is fluid with synovial fluid between articular bones. Joints are highly movable. e.g. ball and socket joints.

Question 2

Describe the features of a synovial joint (6)?

Answer 2

• Articular cartilage = covers the ends of opposing bones
• Articular (joint) cavity = cavity or space between the two bones
• Articular capsule = double-layered membrane, out membrane is dense connective tissue that is continuous with the periosteum and inner is the synovial membrane that produces the fluid
• Synovial fluid = a small amount of fluid that fills the cavity
• Reinforcement ligaments = thick part of the fibrous connective tissue, holds the joint in place
• Nerves and blood vessels = nerve innervate these joints to sense pressure/pain; blood vessels supply synovial membrane

Question 3

Define the anatomical terms of movement?

Answer 3

Nonaxial - slipping, no axis to move around
Uniaxial - movement in one place or plane
Biaxial - movement in two planes
Multiaxial - movement in or around all 3 places of space and axes
Gliding - one flat bone structure glides or slips over another similar surface
Angular - increase/ decrease angles between two bones:

a) flexion - bending and decreases angle bring closer together
b) Extension, increases angle, bones are further apart
c) Dorsiflexion- bend toes upwards
d) Plantar flexion- bend toes downwards
e) Abduction- moving away
f) adduction- moving toward
g) circumduction- moving the distal end in a cone shape but the proximal end stays fixed.
h) Supination- turn backward
I) Pronation- turn forward
j) inversion- sole of foot turns medially
k) eversion- sole of foot turns laterally
l) Protraction- transverse movement anteriorly
m) Retraction- transverse movement posteriorly
n) Opposition- movement when thumb touches finger of the same hand.

Question 4

Describe the KNEE using the following headings:
classification, articular surfaces, joint capsule, ligaments, movements at the joint, blood
and nerve supply, factors aiding stability?

Answer 4

KNEE:

• Hinge joint (synovial)
• Femur and tibia
• Partial articular capsule
• Allows flexion, extension and some rotation
• Ligaments = patellar, medial and lateral patellar retinacula

Question 5

Describe the HIP using the following headings:
classification, articular surfaces, joint capsule, ligaments, movements at the joint, blood
and nerve supply, factors aiding stability?

Answer 5

HIP:

• Ball and socket
• Hipbone and femur
• Thick articular capsule
• iliofemoral, ishiofemoral, pubofemoral
• Allow extension, flexion, abduction, adduction and rotation

Question 6

Describe the ELBOW using the following headings:
classification, articular surfaces, joint capsule, ligaments, movements at the joint, blood
and nerve supply, factors aiding stability?

Answer 6

ELBOW:

• Hinge joint
• Ulna and humerus
• Lax articular capsule
• Annular, ulna collateral and radialcollateral
• Allows flexion and extension

Question 7

Describe the SHOULDER using the following headings:
classification, articular surfaces, joint capsule, ligaments, movements at the joint, blood
and nerve supply, factors aiding stability?

Answer 7

SHOULDER:

• Ball and socket joint
• Humerus and scapula
• Articular capsule
• Coracohumeral and glenohumeral ligaments
• Allows flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and circumduction.

Question 8

Describe the WRIST using the following headings:
classification, articular surfaces, joint capsule, ligaments, movements at the joint, blood
and nerve supply, factors aiding stability?

Answer 8

WRIST:
- Condylar joint
- Radius and proximal wrist bones
- Allows flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and circumduction
(joint capsule and ligaments unknown)

Question 9

Describe the ANKLE using the following headings:
classification, articular surfaces, joint capsule, ligaments, movements at the joint, blood
and nerve supply, factors aiding stability?

Answer 9

ANKLE:
- Hinge joint
- Tibia and fibula with talus
- Allows dorsiflexion and plantarflexion 
(joint capsule and ligaments unknown)