Joint Classification and Features

These flashcards cover the main concepts related to joint classification, structure, and function as outlined in the lecture notes.

Synovial joints

Joints with a fluid-filled cavity allowing free movement.

Articular cartilage

Hyaline cartilage that covers the ends of bones at synovial joints.

Articular capsule

A two-layered structure that encloses a joint, consisting of an external fibrous layer and a synovial membrane.

Synovial fluid

A viscous fluid that lubricates and nourishes articular cartilage.

Reinforcing ligaments

Tissues that provide support to synovial joints, including capsular, extracapsular, and intracapsular types.

Functional classifications of joints

A system of categorizing joints based on their movement, including synarthroses (immovable), amphiarthroses (slightly movable), and diarthroses (freely movable).

Structural classifications of joints

A system of categorizing joints based on how bones are connected and whether they have a cavity, including fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial joints.

Fibrous joints

Joints connected by dense connective tissue with no joint cavity, generally immovable.

Cartilaginous joints

Joints connected by cartilage, allowing for some movement and lacking a joint cavity.

Mobility classification

Categorization of joints based on their range of motion: immovable, slightly movable, freely movable.

Angular movements

Movements that change the angle between two bones, including flexion, extension, and abduction.

Rotation

Movement in which a bone turns around its own long axis.

Bursae

Fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction at joints.

Menisci

Fibrocartilaginous discs that improve the fit of bone ends in synovial joints.

Stability factors of joints

Factors that influence joint stability, including the shape of articular surfaces, number of ligaments, and muscle tone.