Joints Flashcards
What are joints
Connection between two or more bones
A joint occurs where a bone meets a bone and are connected and held together by connective tissue
Describe Ligaments
Attach bones to bones
Describe a sprain
Over stretching of the ligaments
Describe Tendons
Attach muscles to bones
Describe a strain
Over stretching of muscles and tendons
Describe Cartilage
Lines the ends of the bones in the joint area and prevents them from rubbing against each other and wearing bones down
What factors affect the stability of a joint?
The joint capsule, the surrounding ligaments and nearby muscles and tendons
Describe immovable joints
Where joints are joined together by fibrous connective tissue
Describe slightly movable joints
where the bones are tightly connected by cartilage or fibrous cartilage
Describe Free movable synovial joints
Where the ends of the bones are covered with cartilage and are connected by a fibrous capsule
Inside the capsule is a synovial membrane
Surrounded by a joint capsule that enclose the joint cavity
Inner layer of the joint capsule is formed by a synovial membrane which secretes synovial fluid. This helps to lubricate the joint and provides nourishment for the articular carriage on the end of the bones
Describe the Types of synovial joint
Gliding Hinge Pivot Ellipsoid (Condyloid) Saddle Ball and socket
What effect does Pregnancy have on joints
The effects of the hormone relaxin will have a significant effect on the stability of synovial joints
Joints will have a greater range of movement
What effect does Ageing have on joints
Decreasing levels of the hormone oestrogen
Articular cartilage becomes thinner
Describe flexion
to reduce the angle at the joint or to bend a limb
Describe elevation
to lift or raise a joint
