Articulations - joint classifications

Stuctural

general classification for connecting bones

Functional

general classification for movement between bones

Fibrous

specific structural classification, held together by CT fibers , no joint cavity

Cartilaginous

Specific structural classification for cartilage

synovial

specific structural classification, complex joint cavity

Synarthrosis

no movement, functional classification

amphiarthrosis

slight movement, functional classification

diarthrosis

freely moveable, functional classification

sutural

fibrous synarthrosis, between most skull bones “sewing together”

gomphosis

fibrous synthrosis, teeth in sockets of mandible and maxillae, “bolting together”

syndesmosis

fibrous amphiarthrosis, interosseous membrane between radius and ulna and tibia and fibula, distal tibiofibular joint, “held by bands”

synchrondrosis

cartilaginous synarthrosis, bones connected by hyaline cartilage, 1st rib to sternum, epiphyseal plates and developing coxal bones" “held by cartilage”

symphysis

bones connected by a disc of fibrocartilage, pubic symphysis, intervertbral joints (body) “growing together”

Nonaxial joints

don’t move within a plane, allow little movement and simply shift slightly due to pressures and stresses placed on joint. Gliding/Plane joints. example: intercarpal joints, sternum-costal joints ribs 2-10.

uniaxial joints

move around a single axis within a single plane, either sagittal or horizontal. allow flexion-extension and rotation. Happen at hinge joints (elbow and knee) and pivot joints (proximal and distal radius ulnar joints, atlantoaxial joint)

Bioaxial joints

move within 2 planes. both sagittal and coronal. allow flexion-extension and abduction and adduction. example: condylar joints (metacarpophelangeal (knuckle) and radiocarpals. saddle joints (carpometacarpal joints in thumb)

Triaxial joints

move around 3 planes, sagittal, coronal, horizontal. allow rotation, flexion-extension, abduction adduction. ball and socket joints glenohumerol joint, coxofemoral joint.