HUMAN ANATOMY: Joints

joints

a point of articulation where bones unite by some sort of material

synarthrosis

immobile joint

amphiarthrosis

slightly moveable joint

diarthrosis

freely movable joint

fibrous joint

bone ends/parts united by collagenic fibers (dense regular connective tissue); synarthrotic or amphiarthrotic

cartilaginous joint

bone/end parts united by cartilage; synarthrotic or amphiarthrotic

synovial joint

bone ends/parts covered with articular cartilage and enclosed within an articular capsule lined with synovial membrane; diarthrotic

suture

type of synarthrotic fibrous joint made up of short dense regular CT fibers; allow for skull growth and gradually fuse with age

syndesmosis

type of amphiarthrotic fibrous joint made up of dense regular CT fibers that are longer than sutures; typically found between long bones

gomphosis

type of synarthrotic fibrous joint where a periodontal ligament attaches tooth to bone of socket

symphysis

type of amphiarthrotic cartilaginous joint where fibrocartilage pad holds everything together

synchondroses

type of synarthrotic cartilaginous joint where bones are united by hyaline cartilage

synovial joint

a diarthrotic joint that prevents bone on bone contact

ligament

dense regular connective tissue that connects bone to bone and can either run through capsule or surround it, provide strength and support; a part of synovial joint

fibrous capsule

dense irregular connective tissue which is an extension of the periosteum; a part of synovial joint

synovial membrane

loose connective tissue that produces synovial fluid and is vascular; a part of synovial joint

articular capsule

dense irregular connective tissue made up of the fibrous capsule and synovial membrane

fibroblast

found within the synovial membrane and secreted synovial fluid

articular cartilage

hyaline cartilage that covers articulating ends of bones

periosteum

dense irregular connective tissue; strong attachment point for ligaments

joint cavity

contains synovial fluid

articular disc

fibrocartilage disc found within some synovial joints; helps bones fit together

rheumatoid arthritis

chronic inflammatory disorder that creates an inflamed synovial membrane in turn forming a granular pannus; cartilage and one are damaged by the pannus and scar tissue is formed causing bones to fuse

osteoarthritis

articular cartilage breaks down via normal enzyme activity or excessive use (normal aging process) resulting bone to bone contact further damages articular surface causing a narrowing of the joint space

gouty arthitis

kidney failure creates excessive levels of uric acid that precipitate out as crystals into synovial joints; body will initiate and inflammatory response to digest crystals

translation movement

joint can move in multiple directions but only within one plane; gliding movements

uniaxial movements

joint moves around only one axis; flexion and extension

biaxial movements

joint movement around two axis; separating and waving fingers

multiaxial movements

joints move around three or more axis; shoulder

hinge joint

type of uniaxial synovial joint; elbow

pivot joint

type of uniaxial synovial joint; forearm

plane joint

type of synovial joint that does translational movements; wrist

condyloid joint

type of biaxial synovial joint where on bone is concave; knuckles

saddle joint

type of biaxial synovial joint; thumb

ball and socket joint

type of multiaxial synovial joint; shoulder

bursa

closed fibrous sac lined by synovial membrane and filled with synovial fluid; reduces friction between bone and ligament

tendon sheath

an elongated bursa-like structure that wraps around tendons in high friction areas

carpal tunnel syndrome

inflammation of tendon sheaths puts pressure on nerve passing through carpal tunnel

femur

largest bone in the knee; distal end connects to tibia

patella

knee cap

tibia

bone in the knee; proximal end connects to femur

femoropatellar joint

patella and femur; works with quadriceps in leg extension; gliding movement

chondromalacia patellae

inflammation of cartilage of patella; patella out of alignment weakening articular cartilage

tibiofemoral joint

tibia and femur; bicondylar hinge joint that must withstand body weight as it provides stability and mobility

bicondylar hinge joint

articulation between both the lateral and medial condyles; allows for more movement

stability

achieved through ligaments, tendons, and menisci

menisci

fibrocartilaginous discs that sit on top of tibia; enlarge contact area between tibia and femur, guide and support condyles, distribute weight, and protect cartilage

mobility

the structures surrounding joint allow for enough flexibility and strength in joint so it can adapt to surfaces while walking and running

popliteal

back of knee

oblique popliteal

ligament angled at the back of the knee that strengthens the back of the capsule

arcuate popliteal

ligament that runs through the back of the capsule to fibula; stablizes

tibial (medial) collateral

ligament that attaches tibia to femur; prevents medial movement of leg and stops leg extension

fibular (lateral) collateral

ligament that attaches femur to tibia; prevents lateral movement of leg and stops leg extension

anterior cruciate ligament

prevents forward movement of tibia; usually torn with tibial collateral ligament and medial meniscus

posterior cruciate ligament

prevents forward movement of femur

sprain

ligament stretched or torn

strain

tendon/muscle stretched or torn