Chapter 8 Exam Study Guide – Joints

These vocabulary flashcards provide a detailed overview of joint classification, synovial joint structures, types of synovial joints, and specific anatomical terms from the Chapter 8 exam study guide.

Structural classification

A method of categorizing joints based on the presence or absence of a joint cavity and the type of connective tissue that binds the bones together.

Functional classification

A method of categorizing joints based on the amount of movement they allow.

Synarthrosis

A functional classification of joints that allows for little or no movement.

Amphiarthrosis

A functional classification of joints that allows for slight movement.

Diarthrosis

A functional classification of joints that allows for free movement; all synovial joints are categorized as diarthroses.

Uniaxial

Joints that allow movement in only one plane, such as hinge and pivot joints.

Biaxial

Joints that allow movement in two planes, such as the metacarpophalangeal joints.

Multiaxial

Joints that allow movement in three or more planes, offering the greatest range of motion, such as ball-and-socket joints.

Fibrous joints

Joints where the bones are joined by fibrous connective tissue and allow little or no movement.

Sutures

A type of fibrous joint that joins individual bones of the skull together.

Syndesmoses

A type of fibrous joint where bones are connected by ligaments, such as the joint between the radius and ulna.

Gomphoses

A specialized fibrous joint that anchors the teeth into the jaw bone.

Cartilaginous joints

Joints where the bones are connected by cartilage.

Synchondroses

A type of cartilaginous joint that utilizes hyaline cartilage, such as the epiphyseal plate.

Symphyses

A type of cartilaginous joint that utilizes fibrocartilage, with examples including the pubic symphysis and intervertebral discs.

Synovial joints

Joints characterized by the presence of a fluid-filled cavity, representing the most movable joints in the body.

Synovial membrane

The inner layer of the articular capsule that produces synovial fluid.

Synovial fluid

The fluid within a synovial joint cavity that provides lubrication to reduce friction.

Articular cartilage

A layer of cartilage covering the ends of bones in a synovial joint to reduce friction.

Menisci

Fibrocartilage structures within synovial joints (like the knee) that absorb shock and help stabilize the joint.

Bursae

Small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between moving parts in a synovial joint.

Pivot Joint

A type of synovial joint characterized by rotation movement; an example is the atlantoaxial joint.

Hinge Joint

A uniaxial synovial joint that allows for flexion and extension; examples include the elbow and knee.

Condyloid Joint

A biaxial synovial joint; an example is the metacarpophalangeal joints.

Saddle Joint

A synovial joint that allows for circular movement; an example is the thumb joint.

Plane Joint

A synovial joint characterized by sliding movement; an example is the intercarpal joints.

Ball-and-Socket Joint

A multiaxial synovial joint providing the greatest range of motion; examples include the shoulder and hip joints.

Flexion

A movement that decreases the angle between bones at a joint.

Extension

A movement that increases the angle between bones at a joint.

Abduction

Movement of a limb away from the midline of the body.

Adduction

Movement of a limb toward the midline of the body.

Circumduction

The circular movement of a body part.

Rotation

The twisting movement of a bone around its own axis.

Supination

A movement where the palm is turned upward or facing posterior.

Pronation

A movement where the palm is turned downward or facing anterior.

Dorsiflexion

A movement of the foot that points the toes upward.

Plantar flexion

A movement of the foot that points the toes downward.

Inversion

Movement of the sole of the foot inward toward the midline.

Eversion

Movement of the sole of the foot outward away from the midline.

Opposition

The movement of the thumb to touch the other fingers on the same hand.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The jaw joint which allows for protraction, retraction, elevation, and depression.

Shoulder Joint

A ball-and-socket joint that possesses the greatest range of motion in the human body.

ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)

A ligament in the knee joint that prevents the anterior movement of the tibia.