Joints in Human Anatomy and Physiology

These flashcards focus on essential vocabulary related to joints, their classifications, functions, and associated injuries or diseases in human anatomy and physiology.

Joints

Articulations where two or more bones meet, allowing for mobility and holding bones together.

Synarthroses

Immovable joints that provide stability without movement.

Amphiarthroses

Slightly movable joints that allow limited movement.

Diarthroses

Freely movable joints that allow a wide range of motion.

Fibrous joints

Joints united by dense connective tissue, typically immovable.

Cartilaginous joints

Joints connected by cartilage with no joint cavity, can be immovable or slightly movable.

Synovial joints

Joints with a joint cavity containing synovial fluid, allowing for a wide range of movement.

Articular cartilage

Hyaline cartilage that covers the ends of bones in a synovial joint to prevent grinding.

Synovial fluid

Viscous fluid found in the joint cavity that lubricates and nourishes articular cartilage.

Bursae

Sacs lined with synovial membrane that reduce friction in joints.

Menisci

Crescent-shaped fibrocartilage discs that improve the fit of bone ends in synovial joints.

Ligaments

Tissues that connect bones at joints and help stabilize them.

Tendon sheaths

Elongated bursae that wrap around tendons, reducing friction during movement.

Inflammatory damage to joints

Conditions such as bursitis and tendonitis caused by inflammation due to injury or overuse.

Degenerative joint disease

Chronic conditions affecting joints, often related to aging or wear and tear.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

The most common chronic arthritis related to normal aging processes.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and deformity in joints.

Gouty arthritis

Joint inflammation caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals, primarily controlled by diet.

Joint stability factors

Factors such as shape, ligament strength, and muscle tendons that help maintain joint integrity.