Sports Science HL B.1.2 Pt. 2 Connective Tissues and Joints

Ligaments

Connective tissue that holds bones together, flexible to allow for bending and joint movement, strong to prevent movement beyond normal range, not elastic.

Cartilage

No blood vessels or nerves, provides cushion to joints, reduces friction.

Fascia

Between and surrounding other tissues, made up of fibers, fats, and fluid. Three main forms: Epimysium, perimysium, and endomysium.

Epimysium (Fascia)

Covers the whole muscle

Perimysium (Fascia)

Covers bundles of muscle fibers called fascicles

Endomysium (Fascia)

Covers individual muscle fibers (cells)

Tendons

Happens when fascia continues beyond the muscle. Connect muscle to bone. When muscles contract, they pull on the bones, causing movement. Can be rounded or a flat sheet (called aponeurosis). Multiple can join together in sheaths (such as in the wrist [carpal tunnel])

Joints

Where two bones meet, main purpose is to increase mobility. Classified by amount of movement allowed which is determined by: shape of bones articulation, area of the contact of bones, flexibility of the ligaments, other tissues. Can be fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.

Fibrous Joints

Thin layer of fibrous tissue between joints, no movement, ex. between sutures of the skull.

Cartilaginous Joint

Small amount of cartilage separating bones, minimal movement, ex. ribs to sternum.

Synovial Joints

The joints between major bones, articular capsule surrounds the joint, flexible arrangement of fibers. Cartilage and synovial flood, allows for smooth joint movement. Meniscus are discs found in some bones (like knee)

Synovial Joint - Gliding (plane)

Low amount of sliding of bones past each other ex. between carpals/tarsals.

Synovial Joint - Hinge

Due to shape at articulation, allows only movement in one plane, ex. elbow, knuckles, between phalanges

Synovial Joint - Pivot

Most range of motion, one joint pivots around another, ex. radioulnar joint.

Synovial Joint - Ball and Socket

Most range of motion, a sphere fitting into a hole, ex. shoulder.

Synovial Joint - Saddle

Two saddle-like shape allows movement in two direction, ex. sternoclavicular

Synovial Joint - Condyloid

Like a ball and socket, but the ball is an oval, ex. wrist.