Human Anatomy and Physiology - The Skeletal System

Symphysis

a location where two bones are closely joined by fibrocartilage (collagen fibers), but where limited movement can still occur.

Suture

strongly united, immovable joints between adjacent cranial bones which protect the brain.

Syndesmosis

when two parallel bones are united by fibrous connective tissue.

Synovial/Diarthrosis joint

joint which provides the most range of motion. joins bones with a fibrous joint capsule that is continuous with the periosteum of the joined bones, constitutes the outer boundary of a synovial cavity, and surrounds the bones' articulating surfaces. Filled with synovial fluid.

Pivot joint

Rounded portion of a bone is enclosed within a ring formed partially by the articulation with another bone partially by a ligament. The bone rotates around this ring.

Hinge

type of joint which allows only for bending and straightening motions along a single axis. Convex end of one bone articulates with the concave end of another. Other known as a uniaxial joint.

Condyloid/Ellipsoidal Joint

an oval articular surface that is received into an elliptical cavity. This permits movement in two planes, allowing flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, and circumduction.

Saddle Joint

Both of the articulating surfaces for the bones have a saddle shape, which is concave in one direction and convex in the other.

Plane Joint

Articulating surfaces of the bones are flat or slightly curved and of approximately the same size, which allows the bones to slide against each other.

Ball and Socket

Joint with the greatest range of motion.

Rounded head of bone which fits into the concave articulation (socket) of the adjacent bone. Classified as multiaxial joints.

Flexion

Movements which occur in the sagittal (anterior and posterior) plane. Moving the head, or vertebral column, towards your anterior side.

Extension

Movements which occur in the sagittal (anterior and posterior) plane. Moving the head, or vertebral column, towards your posterior side.

Abduction

Involves the movement of limbs, hands, fingers, or toes in the coronal plane (medial-lateral).

Moving a limb, or hand, away from the lateral sides of the body.

Adduction

Involves the movement of limbs, hands, fingers, or toes in the coronal plane (medial-lateral). Moving a limb, or hand, towards the lateral sides of the body.

Circumduction

involves moving joints in a circular pattern via a combination of flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and additional movements.

Lateral rotation

involves rotating the shoulder or hip to the lateral side.

Medial rotation

involves rotating the anterior side of the shoulder or hip towards the midline of the body.

Supination

Rotating the forearm so that the palm faces up.

Pronation

Rotating the forearm so that the palm faces down.

Dorsiflexion

when you lift the front of your foot.

Plantar Flexion

lifting the heel of the foot.