Joints (session 1)

Question 1

Define joint

Answer 1

A connection between two or more bones (irrespective of whether movement can occur between the bones)

Question 2

List the 3 types of joints

Answer 2

• Fibrous
• Cartilaginous
• Synovial

Question 3

Describe a synovial joint

Answer 3

Bones are united by a joint capsule enclosing a joint cavity. The cavity contains synovial fluid for lubrication and the bones are covered by articular cartilage. The majority of limb joints are synovial

Question 4

Describe a fibrous joint

Answer 4

Bones are united by fibrous tissue. Movement range depends on the length of the fibres - for example they are very short in the sutures of the cranium so there is no movement possible

Question 5

Cartilaginous joints

Answer 5

The bones are united by cartilage.
Primary cartilaginous joints have only hyalin cartilage between them, providing some flexibility (eg joining ribs to sternum)

Secondary cartilaginous joints are covered by hyalin cartilage but also have a layer of fibro-cartilage which provides strength (eg between vertebral bodies)

Question 6

What are the subdivisions of synovial joints

Answer 6

• Plane joints
• Hinge joints
• Saddle joints
• Condyloid joints
• Ball and socket joints
• Pivot joints

Question 7

Describe plane joints and give an example

Answer 7

• Articular surfaces are flat
• Joint capsules are tight
• Sliding movements in planes of articular surfaces
• Acromioclavicular joint (between clavical and shoulder bones)

Question 8

Describe hinge joints and give an example

Answer 8

• Permits flexion and extension only

- Elbow joint

Question 9

Describe saddle joints and give an example

Answer 9

• Articular surfaces are concave and convex
• Two axes of movement
• Permits flexion, extension, abduction and circumduction
• Carpometacarpal joint of thumb

Question 10

Describe condyloid joints and give an example

Answer 10

• Similar to saddle joints with movement in two axes, but one is usually restricted
• Permits flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, circumduction and rotation
• Metacarpophalangeal joints of fingers

Question 11

Describe ball and socket joints and give an example

Answer 11

• Spherical and concave articular surfaces
• Multiple axes of movement
• Permits flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, circumduction and rotation
• Hip joint

Question 12

Describe pivot joints and give an example

Answer 12

• Rotation around a central axis

- Atlanto-axial joint of cervical spine