Types of Joints and Movements

These flashcards cover vocabulary related to types of joints, their structural and functional classifications, movements of joints, and examples of synovial joints.

Articulation

A functional connection between bones in the skeletal system.

Fibrous Joint

A joint held together by dense connective tissue.

Cartilaginous Joint

A joint connected by hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage.

Synovial Joint

A joint with a complex structure that allows for free movement.

Synarthrotic Joint

An immovable joint.

Amphiarthrotic Joint

A slightly movable joint.

Diarthrotic Joint

A freely movable joint.

Syndesmosis

A fibrous joint where bones are bound by a sheet of dense connective tissue.

Suture

A fibrous joint where flat bones of the skull are connected by a thin layer of connective tissue.

Gomphosis

A fibrous joint where a cone-shaped bony process fits into a socket.

Synchondrosis

A type of cartilaginous joint where bands of hyaline cartilage unite bones.

Symphysis

A type of cartilaginous joint where a pad of fibrocartilage is between bones.

Articular Cartilage

Cartilage covering the ends of bones in a joint.

Joint Capsule

A structure that surrounds and stabilizes a synovial joint.

Ligament

A band of dense connective tissue connecting bones to other bones.

Synovial Membrane

The inner layer of the joint capsule that secretes synovial fluid.

Synovial Fluid

A lubricating fluid found within synovial joints.

Meniscus

Crescent-shaped cartilaginous structure found in some synovial joints.

Bursa

A small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between moving parts in a joint.

Ball-and-Socket Joint

A joint where a round head fits into a cup-shaped cavity allowing for the widest range of motion.

Condylar Joint

A joint where an oval condyle fits into an elliptical cavity allowing biaxial movement.

Plane Joint

A joint that allows gliding movement between bones.

Hinge Joint

A joint where a convex surface fits into a concave surface allowing uniaxial movement.

Pivot Joint

A joint where a cylindrical surface rotates within a ring of another bone allowing for rotation only.

Saddle Joint

A joint where both bones have concave and convex surfaces allowing for biaxial movement.

Flexion

The bending of parts at a joint.

Extension

The straightening of parts at a joint.

Hyperextension

Extension beyond the normal anatomical position.

Lateral Flexion

Bending to the side.

Abduction

Moving a part of the body away from the midline.

Adduction

Moving a part of the body toward the midline.

Dorsiflexion

Ankle movement that points the toes upward.

Plantar Flexion

Ankle movement that points the toes downward.

Circumduction

Movement of a part of the body in a circular path.

Rotation

Moving a part of the body around an axis.

Medial Rotation

Movement of a limb so the anterior surface moves toward the midline.

Lateral Rotation

Movement of a limb so the anterior surface moves away from the midline.

Supination

Forearm rotation so the palm faces upward or forward.

Pronation

Forearm rotation so the palm faces downward or backward.

Inversion

Turning of the foot so the plantar surface faces the midline.

Eversion

Turning of the foot so the plantar surface faces away from the midline.

Protraction

Movement of a body part forward.

Retraction

Movement of a body part backward.

Elevation

Raising a body part.

Depression

Lowering a body part.

Shoulder Joint

A ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of movement.

Elbow Joint

A hinge joint that allows for flexion and extension.

Hip Joint

A ball-and-socket joint that consists of the head of the femur and acetabulum.

Knee Joint

The largest and most complex synovial joint allowing flexion and extension.

Patellar Ligament

Connects the patella to the tibia in the knee joint.

Radial Collateral Ligament

Provides stability to the elbow joint.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament

Stabilizes the inner side of the elbow joint.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament

Stabilizes against forward motion of the tibia in the knee.

Posterior Cruciate Ligament

Stabilizes against backward motion of the tibia in the knee.

Iliofemoral Ligament

The strongest ligament in the body, found in the hip joint.

Pubofemoral Ligament

Provides stability to the hip joint.

Ischiofemoral Ligament

Stabilizes the hip joint.

Aging and Joint Changes

Joint stiffness, loss of cartilage elasticity, and functional decline are common with age.

Arthritis

A disease characterized by inflammation of the joints that can worsen with age.

Menisci

Cartilage structures that cushion and stabilize the knee joint.

Bursae

Fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction in joints.

Joint Capsule Layers

Outer fibrous layer and inner synovial membrane comprise a synovial joint's capsule.

Ossification

The process of converting cartilage to bone.

Interosseous Membrane

A fibrous sheet connecting two bones, such as the tibia and fibula.

Flexion vs. Extension

Flexion refers to bending a joint, while extension refers to straightening it.

Internal vs. External Rotation

Internal rotation moves a body part toward the midline; external rotation moves it away.

Heavy Joint Capsule

Provides stability and support to major joints like the hip.

Range of Motion

The extent of movement possible at a joint.

Elasticity of Ligaments

Ligament elasticity typically decreases with age.

Intervertebral Discs

Structures that allow limited movement and cushion the vertebrae.

Nutritive Supply to Joints

Adequate activity ensures nutrient supply to joints, maintaining function.