Joints Flashcards
What are the three types of joints?
Fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial
What are the characteristics of fibrous joints?
Two bones connected by dense connective tissue; allows for little to no movement
Where are fibrous joints predominantly found in the human body?
Sutures of the skull
What are the characteristics of cartilaginous joints?
Two bones joined by fibrocartilaginous disks between articular surfaces; permit slight amounts of movement
Where are cartilaginous joints found in the human body?
Sternocostal joints, intervertebral joints, and pubic symphysis
What are the characteristics of synovial joints?
Two bones separated by a synovial cavity and supported by a connective tissue capsule and associated ligaments; permit the greatest degree of movement
Where are synovial joints found in the human body?
Major joints of the upper and lower limbs
What structure in synovial joints allows for smooth movements between adjacent bones?
Synovial/joint cavity
What structure surrounds the synovial/joint cavity?
Articular capsule
What are the features of an articular capsule?
Fibrous connective tissue attached to each bone just outside the area of the bone’s articulating surface
What structure prevents friction between bones at a synovial joint?
Articular cartilage
What type of cartilage is found in the articular cartilage of synovial joints?
Hyaline cartilage
What structure lines the inner surface of the synovial joint capsule?
Synovial membrane
What are the two parts of the synovial membrane?
Intima and subintima
What is the function of the intima?
Secretion of synovial fluid
What are the functions of synovial fluid?
Provides lubrication to reduce friction between the bones of the joint provides a degree of surface tension to hold the ends of the bones together; provide nourishment to the articular cartilage
What is the subintima made of?
Highly vascularized loose connective tissue
What happens as a result of irritation or injury of the synovial membrane?
Excess production of joint fluid or effusion
What are the functions of ligaments?
Connect bones; strengthen and support the joint; limit range of motion
What are the two primary types of ligaments?
Intrinsic and extrinsic ligaments
Where are extrinsic ligaments located?
Outside of the articular capsule
Where are intrinsic ligaments located?
Fused or incorporated into the wall of the capsule
There are also intracapsular ligaments that are located in the side of the capsule, but they’re pretty rare
Cool
What are the two types of stabilizers that support synovial joints?
Active/dynamic and passive/static stabilizers
What are the passive/static stabilizers of the synovial joints?
Shape of the bones, fibrocartilaginous disks, the joint capsule, ligaments, and surface tension provided by the synovial fluid
What are the active/dynamic stabilizers of the synovial joints?
The muscles and associated tendons that cross the joint
