joints

Joint

The place where two bones meet, also called articulation.

Articulation

The point at which two bones connect.

Functions of joints

1. Bind parts of the skeletal system, 2. Provide mobility to the skeleton, 3. Allow for bone growth.

Diarthritic joint

Freely movable joints allowing for a wide range of motion.

Synarthritic joint

Immovable joints where bones are tightly fused.

Amphiarthritic joint

Joints that allow limited movement.

Fibrous joint

Joints connected by fibrous connective tissue.

Cartilaginous joint

Joints connected by cartilage.

Synovial joint

Joints that have a synovial membrane and fluid.

Sutural joints

Fibrous joints found in the flat bones of the skull.

Syndesmosis joint

A type of fibrous joint with broad sheets of fibrous tissue.

Gumphysis joint

Fibrous joint located between teeth and their sockets.

Synchondrosis joint

A cartilaginous joint where cartilage binds bones, often temporary.

Symphysis joint

A type of cartilaginous joint that allows slight movement, like the pubic symphysis.

Articular cartilage

Hyaline cartilage that covers the ends of bones in a joint.

Synovial fluid

Fluid secreted by the synovial membrane that lubricates joints.

Bursa

A small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between moving parts in the body.

Menisci

Crescent-shaped cartilaginous structures that provide cushioning in joints.

Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease caused by the wear and tear of articular cartilage.

Flexion

Bending movement that decreases the angle between body parts.

Extension

Straightening movement that increases the angle between body parts.

Hyperextension

Extending a body part beyond its normal range of motion.

Adduction

Movement towards the midline of the body.

Abduction

Movement away from the midline of the body.

Circumduction

Circular movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.

Medial rotation

Rotation towards the body's midline.

Lateral rotation

Rotation away from the body's midline.

Supination

Rotating the forearm to turn the palm upward.

Pronation

Rotating the forearm to turn the palm downward.

Inversion

Turning the sole of the foot inward.

Eversion

Turning the sole of the foot outward.

Elevation

Raising a body part.

Depression

Lowering a body part.

Protraction

Moving a body part forward.

Retraction

Moving a body part backward.

Opposition

Movement of the thumb to touch the fingertips.

Reposition

Returning the thumb to its anatomical position after opposition.

Articular capsule

A capsule surrounding a synovial joint, consisting of fibrous tissue and synovial membrane.

Fibrous capsule

Outer layer of the articular capsule made of fibrous connective tissue.

Loose connective tissue

Inner layer of the synovial membrane that supports and nourishes the joint.

Subchondral plate

Bony tissue beneath the articular cartilage that supplies nutrients.

Nucleus pulposus

The soft inner material of an intervertebral disc.

Annulus fibrosis

The tough outer layer of an intervertebral disc.

Herniated disc

Condition where the nucleus pulposus protrudes through the annulus fibrosis.

Clinical application

Practical use of anatomical knowledge in diagnosing or treating conditions.

Fibrocartilage

A tough form of cartilage that provides support and absorbs shock.

Hyaline cartilage

Smooth, glassy cartilage that covers bone ends at joints.

Epiphyseal plate

Growth plate in long bones where bone length increases.