XI. Common Features of Synovial Joints

Question 1

What are the four consistent features of synovial (diarthrosis) joints?

Answer 1

articular or fibrous capsule, synovial membrane, articular cartilage and synovial fluid

Question 2

Type I articular receptors are located in what part of the joint?

Answer 2

superficial layer of the fibrous capsule

Question 3

What is the function of the type I articular receptor?

Answer 3

they monitor the joint “at rest”

Question 4

Type II articular receptors are located in what part of the joint?

Answer 4

deeper strata of the fibrous capsule

Question 5

What is the function of type II articular receptors?

Answer 5

they monitor the joint during normal range of motion

Question 6

What is the location of type III articular receptors?

Answer 6

collateral and intrinsic ligaments of many joints, they were not thought to be present along vertebral column

Question 7

What is the function of type III articular receptors?

Answer 7

they monitor the joint during extreme motion or beyond normal range of motion

Question 8

What is the function of type IV articular receptors?

Answer 8

nociceptive, they monitor pain

Question 9

Type IVb articular receptors would be present in what locations?

Answer 9

accessory ligaments in general, dense in the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine

Question 10

What are the three modifications of articular synovial membrane?

Answer 10

(1) synovial villi, (2) articular fat pads of Haversian glands, (3) synovial menisci and intra-articular discs

Question 11

Articular fat pads are most numerous in what locations along the vertebral column?

Answer 11

lumbar zygapophyses

Question 12

What are the specific functions of type A synovial cells?

Answer 12

are phagocytic

Question 13

What is the specific function of type B synovial cells?

Answer 13

secrete proteinaceous substances and hyaluronic acid

Question 14

Which collagen fiber type predominates in articular cartilage?

Answer 14

type II

Question 15

What are proteoglycans composed of?

Answer 15

a core protein and glycosaminoglycans

Question 16

Cartilage is able to change shape due to compression, a characteristic known as ______.

Answer 16

deformation

Question 17

What is implied when cartilage is said to have to elastic properties?

Answer 17

cartilage can deform and returns to original volume rapidly, a time independent property

Question 18

What is implied when cartilage is said to have viscoelastic properties?

Answer 18

cartilage can deform but returns to original volume slowly, a time dependent property

Question 19

What are the properties of synovial fluid?

Answer 19

it is yellow-white, viscous, slightly alkaline and tastes salty

Question 20

Synovial fluid consists of what specific chemical groups?

Answer 20

fats, salts, albumins and hyaluronate

Question 21

Which substance in synovial fluid was first thought to be responsible for its viscosity and lubricating behavior?

Answer 21

hyaluronate