Joints, Synovial Fluid and Cartilage Flashcards

1
Q

What are the different structural classifications of joints?

A

1 - Fibrous

2 - Cartilaginous

3 - Synovial

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2
Q

What are the distinguishing features of each of the joint types?

A

Fibrous - very strong joints with little movement

Cartilaginous - Layers of cartilage instead of fibrous tissue

Synovial - The most complex type of joints and also the joints that can perform the most movement

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3
Q

Where in the body can fibrous joint types be found?

A

1 - Cranial sutures

2 - Peridontal ligament (between tooth and collagen fibres)

3 - Interosseus membranes (stops radial & ulnar bones being pulled apart)

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4
Q

Where in the body can cartilaginous joints be found?

A

1 - Growth plates of long bones

2 - Vertebral discs & their vertebral bodies

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5
Q

What is the difference between primary cartilaginous and secondary cartilaginous joints?

A

Primary - Only Hyaline cartilage

Secondary - Hyaline cartilage & Fibrocartilage

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6
Q

Where in the body can synovial joints be found?

A

1 - Knees & Elbows (Hinge)

2- Vertebral column facet joints (Plane)

3 - Shoulder (Ball & Socket)

4 - Radio-Ulnar (Pivot)

5 - Thumb (Saddle)

6 - Atlanto-axial joint (Condylar)

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7
Q

What are the components of synovial joints?

A

1 - Articular discs

2 - Ligaments

3 - Bursae

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8
Q

What is the structure & function of hyaline cartilage?

A

Structure:

  • Superficial layer: Flattened chondrocytes which produce collagen and glycoproteins (lubricin)
  • Transitional layer: Round chondrocytes which produce proteoglycans such as aggrecan
  • >75% water

Function:

  • Due to high water content, hyaline cartilage is very good at cushioning joints
  • Horizontally oriented fibres of superficial layer increases the strength of the joint
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9
Q

What are the important molecules found within joints?

A

Glycoproteins - Proteins to which oligosaccharides are attached, e.g. Lubricin

Proteoglycans - Proteins which are heavily glycosylated, e.g. Aggrecan

Glycosaminoglycans - Long, unbranched polysaccharides, e.g. Hyaluronic acid

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10
Q

What are the main components of synovial fluid?

A

1 - Hyaluronic acid

2 - Lubricin

3 - Fluid component from blood plasma

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11
Q

What is the function of synovial fluid?

A

1 - Nutrition of cartilage

2 - Removal of waste products

3 - Lubrication of joints

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