Unit 1.1.a joints

Question 1

What is a joint?

Answer 1

A joint is where two or more bones meet which is also called an articulation.

Question 2

What is a synovial joint?

Answer 2

A synovial joint is a freely moveable joint that allows us the free movement to perform skills and techniques during physical activity

Question 3

Synovial joints

Answer 3

In synovial joints, the ends of the bones are covered with cartilage (called articular cartilage) which cushions the joint and prevents friction and wear and tear between the bones ends. Cartilage is a soft, sponge connective tissue.

Question 4

Ligaments

Answer 4

• Ligaments are a type of connective tissue and are tough, fibrous and slightly elastic.
• They connect bone to bone and help keep the joints together.
• They stabilise the joints during movement and prevent dislocation by restriction action outside the normal joint range.
• They can absorb shock because due to their elasticity, which protects the joints.
• They help maintain the correct posture and movement.

Question 5

The Elbow joint

Answer 5

• Hinge joint.
• Articulating bones are humerus, radius and ulna.
• Allows bending (flexion) and straightening (extension).
• Muscles which move the elbow are biceps and triceps.

Question 6

The Knee joint

Answer 6

• Hinge joint.
• Articulating bones are femur, tibia (the patella is not classed as part of the joint, nor is the fibula).
• Allows bending (flexion) and straightening (extension).
• Muscles which move the knee are quadriceps and hamstrings.

Question 7

The Hip joint

Answer 7

• Ball and socket joint.
• Articulating bones are pelvis and femur (head of femur is ‘ball’ and cup in pelvis ‘socket’)
• Allows a large range of movement in all directions.
• Many muscles are used to move the hip joint, including the gluteals.

Question 8

The shoulder joint

Answer 8

• Ball and socket joint.
• Articulating bones are humerus and scapula (Clavicle is not part of the shoulder joint).
• Allows a large range of movement in all directions.
• Many muscles are used to move the shoulder joint, including the deltoid, trapezius and the latissimus dorsi.