Chapter 09C Skeletal System: Articulations

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the major articulations of the human skeletal system, including common injuries and clinical conditions described in Chapter 09C.

Sternoclavicular joint

A saddle joint formed by the manubrium and the sternal end of the clavicle, partitioned into two parts by a fibrocartilaginous articular disc.

Acromioclavicular joint

A plane joint between the acromion and the lateral end of the clavicle; a dislocation here is referred to as a shoulder separation.

Glenohumeral (shoulder) joint

A ball-and-socket joint between the head of the humerus and the glenoid cavity of the scapula; it permits the greatest range of motion but is the most unstable joint in the body.

Glenoid labrum

A fibrocartilaginous ring that encircles the socket of the glenohumeral joint to deepen the cavity.

Rotator cuff muscles

A group of muscles (subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor) that provide most of the stability for the glenohumeral joint.

Humeroulnar joint

One of the two articulations of the elbow hinge joint, occurring between the trochlear notch of the ulna and the trochlea of the humerus.

Humeroradial joint

An articulation within the elbow where the capitulum of the humerus meets the head of the radius.

Annular ligament

A ligament that surrounds the neck of the radius and binds the head of the radius to the ulna.

Subluxation of the head of the radius

An incomplete dislocation where the head of the radius is pulled out of the annular ligament, occurring almost exclusively in children under $5$ years of age.

Acetabular labrum

A fibrocartilaginous ring that deepens the socket of the hip joint's acetabulum.

Retinacular fibers

Ligamentous fibers of the hip articular capsule that reflect around the femur neck and contains arteries supplying most of the blood to the head and neck of the femur.

Ligament of head of femur (ligamentum teres)

A small intracapsular ligament from the acetabulum to the fovea of the femoral head; it typically contains a small artery but does not contribute to joint stability.

Subcapital fractures

Fractures that occur within the hip articular capsule, usually in older individuals with osteoporosis, and may result in avascular necrosis.

Tibiofemoral joint

One of two articulations in the knee joint, located between the condyles of the femur and the condyles of the tibia.

Patellar ligament

A structure that extends from the patella to the tibial tuberosity.

Medial and Lateral Meniscus

C-shaped fibrocartilage pads on the tibial condyles that provide cushioning and change shape to conform to articulating surfaces.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

An intracapsular knee ligament that prevents hyperextension and anterior displacement of the tibia.

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)

An intracapsular knee ligament that prevents hyperflexion and posterior displacement of the tibia.

Unhappy triad

A severe knee injury involving simultaneous damage to the tibial collateral ligament, medial meniscus, and ACL.

Talocrural joint

A highly modified hinge joint (ankle joint) that permits dorsiflexion and plantar flexion.

Deltoid ligament

A strong ligament binding the tibia to the foot on the medial side that prevents overeversion.

Pott fracture

A fracture resulting from overeversion of the foot where the medial malleolus is avulsed and the fibula is fractured.

Ankylosis

The fusion of bone ends following the ossification of scar tissue, often seen in advanced cases of rheumatoid arthritis.

Gouty arthritis

A type of inflammatory arthritis typically seen in middle-aged or older males caused by increased levels of uric acid.