Joints

Question 1

Describe the costotransverse joints

Answer 1

Synovial plane joints.

Articulation between the tubercles of the upper 10 ribs and the transverse processes of their corresponding vertebrae.

Question 2

Describe the costochondral joints

Answer 2

Primary cartilaginous joint.

Between costal cartilages and the sternal end of the rib.

Question 3

Describe the sternocostal joints

Answer 3

1st sternocostal joint is a primary cartilaginous joint.
2nd to 7th sternocostal joints are synovial plane joints.
Articulation between the medial end of the costal cartilage of the 1st to 7th ribs and the sternum.

Question 4

Describe the interchondral joints

Answer 4

Joints involving the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th ribs between the continuous margins of the costal cartilages.
8th and 9th interchondral joints are synovial plane joints.
10th interchondral joint is fibrous.

Question 5

Describe the uncovertable joints

Answer 5

Synovial plane joints.
In the cervical region C3-C7 the intervertebral discs do not extend the full width of the vertebral bodies and there are small synovial plane joints between the lateral parts of adjacent vertebral bodies.

Question 6

Describe the lateral atlanto-axial joints

Answer 6

Synovial plane joints.
Articulations between the inferior aspects of the lateral masses of the atlas and the superior articular processes of the axis.

Question 7

Describe the median atlanto-axial joints

Answer 7

Joints between the anterior aspect of the dens and the inner aspect of the anterior arch of the atlas, and the posterior aspect of the dens and the transverse ligament.

Question 8

Describe the atlanto-occipital joint

Answer 8

Synovial ellipsoid joint.

Joint between the occipital condyle of the skull and the facet on the upper surface of the lateral mass of the atlas.

Question 9

Describe the zygapophyseal joints

Answer 9

Synovial plane joints.

Articulations between the articular processes of the vertebral arches.

Question 10

Describe the joints of the vertebral bodies

Answer 10

Cartilaginous joint (a symphysis).
Articulations between adjacent vertebral bodies, with an intervening disc and cartilage end plate.

Question 11

Describe the costovertebral joints

Answer 11

Synovial plane joints.
Articulation between the rib and corresponding vertebral body, intervening intervertebral disc and body of vertebra above.