Synovial Joint Characteristics

Question 1

What 5 characteristics are found in all synovial joints?

Answer 1

Articular cartilage
Reinforcing ligaments
Synovial fluid
Joint capsule (outer fibrous and inner synovial membrane)
Joint cavity

Question 2

What are found in some, but not all, synovial joints?

Answer 2

Joint stabilizers (i.e. menisci, articular discs, labrums)
Fat pads (cushions and fills cavity)
Bursae (can be communicating or non-communicating, but both function in reducing friction between structures that may rub)
Tendon sheaths

Question 3

Going centripetally, name typical things found in a synovial joint

Answer 3

Reinforcing ligaments (extrinsic)
Articular cartilage
Joint capsule (outer and inner layers)
Joint/Synovial cavity
Synovial fluid

Question 4

What structures might a synovial joint have?

Answer 4

Non-communication bursae
Extrinsic reinforcing ligaments
Communicating bursae
Fat pads
Articular disks (menisci & labrums)
Articular cartilage
Joint capsule (outer and inner layer)
Intrinsic reinforcing ligaments
Joint cavity & fluid

Question 5

What is the structure found in both the glenohumeral and acetbulofemoral joint that has similar functions to the menisci in the knee joints? What are these articular disks made of?

Answer 5

Labrums - fibrocartilage