Joints and Joint Classifications

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering structural and functional classifications of joints, specific joint examples, and the anatomical components of synovial joints based on APPC lecture notes.

Joints

Connections between bones that provide stability and movement.

Synarthrotic

A functional classification for immovable joints that permit little or no movement.

Amphiarthrotic

A functional classification for slightly movable joints.

Diarthrotic

A functional classification for freely movable joints.

Fibrous Joints

Restrictive, non-diarthrotic joints where bones are held together by dense connective tissue.

Syndesmoses

A type of fibrous, amphiarthrotic joint where bones are bound by a sheet or bundle of dense connective tissue; examples include between the tibia and fibula, and radius and ulna.

Sutures

A fibrous, synarthrotic joint located between flat bones of the skull held by a thin layer of dense connective tissue called a sutural ligament.

Gomphoses

A fibrous, synarthrotic joint consisting of a cone-shaped bony process in a bony pocket held by dense connective tissue/ligament; example is a tooth in the jaw.

Cartilaginous Joints

Joints where bones are united by cartilage; includes two types: synchondroses and symphyses.

Synchondroses

A cartilaginous, synarthrotic joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage (e.g., between the 1st rib and manubrium, or inside growing bones).

Symphysis

A cartilaginous, amphiarthrotic joint designed for shock absorption where bones are connected by a pad of fibrocartilage; examples include the pubic symphysis and intervertebral discs.

Synovial Joints

Complex, freely movable (diarthrotic) joints characterized by a joint capsule and fluid-filled cavity.

Ball and Socket Joint (Spheroidal Joint)

A synovial joint with a round or egg-shaped head fitting into a socket, permitting multiaxial (free) movement; examples include the hip and shoulder.

Condylar Joints (Ellipsoidal Joint)

A synovial joint where an oval head fits into an elliptical cavity of another bone, allowing biaxial movement; example is between metacarpals and phalanges.

Plane Joints (Gliding Joints)

A synovial joint with nearly flat or slightly curved surfaces permitting nonaxial (free) movement; examples include the wrist, ankle, and vertebrae.

Hinge Joints

A synovial joint where a convex surface fits into a concave surface, allowing uniaxial movement (back and front); example is the elbow.

Pivot Joints (Trochoid Joint)

A synovial joint where a cylindrical bone rotates inside a ring formed of bone and ligament, allowing uniaxial rotation; example is the atlas and axis (neck).

Saddle Joints (Sellar Joints)

A synovial joint where both articulating surfaces have concave and convex regions (saddle shape), allowing biaxial movement; example is the thumb.

Joint Capsule

A two-layered structure whose outer layer is composed of dense connective tissue that encloses parts of synovial joints.

Ligaments

Bundles of strong, tough collagen fibers (dense connective tissue) that connect bone to bone.

Synovial Membrane

A shiny, vascular lining of loose connective tissue that covers all surfaces within the joint capsule.

Synovial Fluid

A fluid secreted within a sac called the synovial cavity that provides lubrication for frictionless movement, nutrition, and repairs.

Menisci

Fibrocartilage articular discs that partially or completely divide synovial joints to provide cushioning (e.g., in the knee).

Bursae

Fluid sacs with an inner lining of synovial membrane that cushion structures around joints (e.g., near the patella).

Articular Cartilage

Cartilaginous connective tissue coating the edges of bones to cushion them and reduce friction during movement.