Synovial Joints and Types of Joints

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering the structure and function of joints, types of joints, and related anatomical terms.

Articular cartilage

A smooth hyaline cartilage that absorbs compression.

Articular capsule

A tough external fibrous layer that strengthens the joint.

Ligaments

Thickened parts of the fibrous layer that connect bones.

Synovial fluid

Fluid found in the free spaces of the joint capsule.

Menisci

Inward extensions that separate the synovial cavity.

Bursae

Flat fibrous sacs lined with synovial membrane to reduce friction.

Tendon sheaths

Wrap around tendons to prevent excessive friction.

Ball-and-socket joint

Allows flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation; examples include shoulder and hip joints.

Condylar joint

Allows flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction; examples include wrists and knuckles.

Plane joint

Allows gliding movements; examples include carpals of wrists and tarsals of ankle.

Hinge joint

Allows flexion and extension; examples include elbow and knee.

Pivot joint

Allows rotation; examples include atlas and axis.

Saddle joint

Allows flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction; an example is the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb.

Fibrous joint

Strong fibrous connective tissues that allow no movement; an example is gomphoses.

Cartilaginous joint

Directly connected by hyaline or fibrocartilage, with limited movement; an example is intervertebral discs.

Synovial joint

Has a joint cavity, articular cartilage, fibrous capsule, ligaments, and tendons; an example is the elbow joint.

Occipital condyles

Connection point for skull and vertebrae, facilitates nodding and rotation.

Glenoid cavity

A pear-shaped cavity in the scapula, providing mobility and stability.

Olecranon process

A bony prominence in the ulna that enhances stability and function of the elbow joint.

Deltoid tuberosity

A projection on the humerus that serves as an attachment point for the deltoid muscle.

Greater trochanter

An attachment point on the femur that allows for hip abduction and rotation.

Foramen magnum

A large opening in the occipital bone allowing the brainstem to connect with the spinal cord.

External acoustic meatus

A canal in the temporal bone that protects the tympanic membrane and aids sound transmission.

Saddle joint movement

Allows movement in two planes, facilitating a range of motion.

Function of synovial fluid

Reduces friction between articular cartilage in joints.

Role of bursae

Serves to cushion and reduce friction between structures such as ligaments and tendons.

Structure of articular cartilage

Composed of smooth hyaline cartilage that contributes to joint flexibility and load distribution.

Fibrous Joint

Strong fabric, connective, tissues, allows no movement/allows stability, protects by the vital organs

Example: Copper Falls is a specialized joint that anchors a tooth into the body socket of the jawbone