Joints and Muscles

Question 1

What is a joint?

Answer 1

A place where two or more bones join (articulation).

Three types : Fibrous, Cartilaginous, and Synovial.

Question 2

Fibrous Joint

Answer 2

Bones fit snugly together and are held by fibrous connective tissue and are immovable.

ex. suture in the skull

Question 3

Cartilaginous Joint

Answer 3

Bones are connected by cartilage and allow only limited movement

ex. pubic bones

Question 4

Synovial Joint

Answer 4

Bones have space between them which is lined with synovial membrane and filled with synovial fluid and allows free movement.

Question 5

A typical joint has:

Answer 5

• Muscle
• Ligament
• Cartilage
• Synovial Fluid
• Tendon

Question 6

Ligament

Answer 6

A ligament is a fibrous connective tissue that attaches bone to bone, and usually serves to hold structures together and keep them stable.

Question 7

Tendon

Answer 7

A tendon is a cord of strong, flexible tissue, similar to a rope. Tendons connect your muscles to your bones.

Tendons let us move our limbs.

They also help prevent muscle injury by absorbing some of the impact your muscles take when you run, jump or do other movements.

Question 8

Cartilage

Answer 8

Cartilage is a strong, flexible connective tissue that protects your joints and bones. It acts as a shock absorber throughout your body.

Cartilage at the end of your bones reduces friction and prevents them from rubbing together when you use your joints.

Question 9

Synovial Fluid

Answer 9

Synovial fluid is defined as the collection of fluid confined within a joint space.

Synovial fluid is physiologic, and acts as a joint space lubricant of articular cartilage, and nutrient source through diffusion for surrounding structures including cartilage, meniscus, labrum, etc

Question 10

Muscle

Answer 10

Muscles have a range of functions from pumping blood and supporting movement to lifting heavy weights or giving birth.

Muscles work by either contracting or relaxing to cause movement.

Involuntary or Voluntary

Purpose and functions of muscles vary:
- Moving body through contraction and extension.
- Support and maintain posture.
- Maintain body temperature.

Three types:
- Skeletal
- Smooth
- Cardiac

Question 11

Skeletal Muscles

Answer 11

Attach to the bone and are voluntary muscles as they operate under conscious control.

Question 12

Smooth Muscle

Answer 12

Involuntary muscle as we don’t have any way of consciously activating them (stomach and intestines).

Question 13

Cardiac Muscle

Answer 13

Specialized muscle as it forms the wall of the heart.