Joint Classification: Structure and Function

These flashcards cover the classification of joints based on their structure and function, including notable types of joints and their characteristics.

Fibrous Joints

Joints connected by fibrous tissue, categorized into sutures, syndesmoses, and gomphoses.

Sutures

Seams found between bones of the skull, allowing for bone expansion in children.

Syndesmoses

Joints connected by ligament cords; movement depends on the length of the ligaments.

Gomphoses

Peg-in-socket joints, such as teeth embedded in their sockets.

Cartilaginous Joints

Joints connected by cartilage, generally not highly moveable; categorized into synchondroses and symphyses.

Synchondroses

Joints with hyaline cartilage connecting bones, mostly immoveable.

Symphyses

Joints that connect bones with fibrocartilage, allowing limited movement.

Synovial Joints

Joints with a fluid-filled cavity allowing substantial movement, classified as diarthroses.

Articular Cartilage

Smooth cartilage covering bone surfaces in synovial joints to prevent crushing.

Synovial Fluid

Fluid in the synovial cavity that lubricates and nourishes the joint.

Ball-and-Socket Joints

Joints where a ball-shaped surface fits into a cup-like socket, allowing multiaxial movement.

Hinge Joints

Joints that allow movement in one plane, like the elbow and interphalangeal joints.

Pivot Joints

Joints allowing rotational movement around a single axis, like the proximal radioulnar joint.

Condylar Joints

Joints with a convex oval surface that fits into an oval depression, allowing biaxial movement.

Saddle Joints

Joints where one bone fits like a saddle on another, allowing biaxial movement.