Introduction to Joints and Connective Tissue

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the anatomy and types of joints and connective tissues in the body.

Articular Cartilage

A smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones at joints, reducing friction and helping to connect bones.

Synarthrosis

A type of joint that permits little or no movement between the connected bones.

Amphiarthrosis

A joint that allows for a limited amount of movement between the bones.

Diarthrosis

A joint that allows for a free range of movement; these joints are primarily synovial joints.

Uniaxial Joint

A joint that allows movement along one axis, such as the elbow.

Biaxial Joint

A joint that allows movement along two axes, such as the metacarpal joints.

Multiaxial Joint

A joint that allows movement in multiple directions, such as the hip or shoulder.

Suture

A type of fibrous joint found in the skull that connects two bones with dense regular connective tissue.

Syndesmosis

A fibrous joint where two bones are connected by sheets of fibrous tissue, allowing for slight movement.

Gomphosis

A type of fibrous joint where a peg-like structure fits into a socket, such as in the connections of teeth.

Synchondrosis

A cartilaginous joint where bones are joined by hyaline cartilage.

Symphysis

A cartilaginous joint where bones are joined by fibrocartilage, such as the pubic symphysis.

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of articular cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness.

Bursae

Fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction and cushion pressure points between the bones and tendons or muscles.

Synovial Fluid

A viscous fluid secreted by the synovial membrane to lubricate joints and reduce friction.

Ligaments

Tough bands of dense regular connective tissue that connect bones and stabilize joints.

Articular Capsule

A structure that surrounds synovial joints, composed of an outer fibrous layer and an inner synovial membrane.

Fontanelles

Soft spots on a baby's skull where the bones have not yet fused.