Joint Classification and Characteristics

These flashcards cover the key concepts of joint classifications, types, and movements, aiding in exam preparation.

Fibrous Joints

Adjoining bones united by collagen fibers, typically immovable.

Types of Fibrous Joints

Suture, Syndesmosis, Gomphosis.

Cartilaginous Joints

Adjoining bones united by cartilage; typically not highly movable.

Types of Cartilaginous Joints

Synchondrosis (hyaline cartilage) and Symphysis (fibrocartilage).

Synovial Joints

Adjoining bones covered with articular cartilage, separated by a joint cavity.

Functional Classification of Joints

Three classes: Synarthroses (immovable), Amphiarthroses (slightly movable), Diarthroses (freely movable).

Suture

A fibrous joint held together with very short interconnecting fibers, found only in the skull.

Syndesmosis

A fibrous joint held together by a ligament; fibers are longer than in sutures.

Gomphosis

A peg-in-socket joint, such as a tooth in its socket.

Synchondrosis

A cartilaginous joint where bones are united by hyaline cartilage, usually immovable.

Symphysis

A cartilaginous joint where bones are united by fibrocartilage, slightly movable.

Types of Synovial Joints

Plane, Hinge, Pivot, Condylar, Saddle, Ball-and-socket.

Gliding Movements

Sliding the flat surfaces of two bones across each other.

Angular Movements

Include flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction.

Flexion

Decreasing the angle between two bones.

Extension

Increasing the angle between two bones.

Abduction

Moving a limb away from the body midline.

Adduction

Moving a limb toward the body midline.

Circumduction

Moving a limb or finger in a circular motion.

Rotation

Turning a bone around its longitudinal axis.

Medial Rotation

Rotating toward the median plane.

Lateral Rotation

Rotating away from the median plane.

Elevation

Raising a body part.

Depression

Lowering a body part.

Opposition

The movement of the thumb to touch the tips of the other fingers.