Anatomy of Joints and Articulations

Flashcards covering joint classifications, synovial joint types, specific anatomical structures of the elbow, knee, hip, and shoulder, and various joint movements and ailments.

Bony Joint

A structural classification where bones are fused together, such as along sutures like the frontal bone.

Fibrous Joint

A structural classification where bones are held together by dense regular connective tissue; examples include sutures.

Cartilaginous Joint

A structural classification where bones are joined by cartilage.

Synovial Joint

A structural classification involving a fluid-filled cavity around articulating bones, held together by ligaments.

Synarthrosis

A functional classification describing an immovable joint.

Amphiarthrosis

A functional classification describing a slightly movable joint.

Diarthrosis

A functional classification describing a freely movable joint.

Suture

An example of a synarthrosis and fibrous joint specifically found in the skull.

Gomphosis

Known as the "bolt condition," this is a synarthrosis and fibrous joint where a tooth is held in bone by a periodontal ligament.

Synchondrosis

Meaning "together cartilage," this is a synarthrosis and cartilaginous joint found in the epiphyseal plate and between the costa one and sternum.

Syndesmosis

An amphiarthrosis and fibrous joint (meaning "fastening") such as the interosseous membrane between two long bones of the arm or leg.

Symphysis

An amphiarthrosis and cartilaginous joint meaning "growing together," where fibrocartilage is located between two bones; examples include the pubic symphysis and intervertebral discs.

Synovial membrane

A structure that produces lubricating synovial fluid which is released into the joint cavity.

Fibrous joint capsule

A layer of dense regular connective tissue located superficial to the synovial membrane that reinforces the joint.

Gliding

A type of linear movement between bones.

Abduction

An angular movement that moves a limb away from the midline.

Adduction

An angular movement that moves a limb toward the midline.

Flexion

An angular movement in the anterior/posterior plane that decreases the angle between bones.

Extension

An angular movement that increases the angle between bones to $180$ degrees.

Hyperextension

Movement beyond the normal range, which typically causes injury.

Circumduction

Movement where the distal portion of a limb moves in a circle while the proximal portion remains in place.

Lateral rotation

A rotational movement where the anterior surface moves laterally.

Medial rotation

A rotational movement where the anterior surface moves medially.

Depression

A special movement describing inferior movement.

Elevation

A special movement describing superior movement.

Dorsiflexion

A special movement where the foot moves superiorly.

Plantar flexion

A special movement where the foot moves inferiorly.

Inversion

A special movement where the sole of the foot moves medially.

Eversion

A special movement where the sole of the foot moves laterally.

Pronation

A special movement where the palm is turned down.

Supination

A special movement where the palm is turned up.

Protraction

Anterior movement of a body part.

Retraction

Posterior movement of a body part.

Opposition

A special movement where the thumb meets with the fingers.

Plane joint

A synovial joint where the bone moves slightly in one plane.

Hinge joint

A synovial joint moving in one plane; examples include the knee and elbow.

Pivot joint

A synovial joint moving in one plane; an example is the atlantoaxial joint.

Condylar joint

A shallow convex-concave synovial joint moving in two planes, such as the scaphoid to radius.

Saddle joint

A synovial joint moving in two planes; an example is the carpometacarpal joint of the pollax.

Ball-and-socket joint

A synovial joint moving in three planes; examples include the shoulder and hip joints.

Bursa

A sac of synovial membrane and fluid used to reduce friction between moving parts, notably in the shoulder joint.

Menisci

Two pads of fibrocartilage connective tissue located within the knee joint.

Fat Pads

Structures covered with synovial membrane that cushion and protect the knee joint.

Humero-ulnar joint

The largest and strongest articulation at the elbow, formed by the trochlea of the humerus and the trochlear notch of the ulna.

Humeroradial joint

A part of the elbow joint where the capitulum of the humerus articulates with the head of the radius.

Osteoarthritis

A type of arthritis caused by the process of aging.

Rheumatoid arthritis

A type of arthritis caused by the immune system.

Gout

A type of arthritis caused by nitrogenous waste.