Synovial Joints, Joint Anatomy, and Body Movements

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the structural types of synovial joints, internal and knee-specific joint structures, and standard anatomical body movements.

Synovial Joint

A site where two bones meet and are separated by a fluid-filled joint cavity, allowing movement.

Plane (Gliding) Joint

A joint type where bones slide or glide past each other, such as between wrist bones.

Hinge Joint

A joint that moves mostly in one direction for bending and straightening, such as the elbow and knee.

Pivot Joint

A joint allowing rotation around an axis, exemplified by the atlas and axis vertebrae in the neck.

Condyloid (Ellipsoid) Joint

A joint that allows movement in two directions, such as the wrist joints.

Saddle Joint

A joint that allows movement in two directions, found at the base of the thumb.

Ball-and-Socket Joint

A joint allowing movement in many directions including rotation, exemplified by the shoulder and hips.

Articular Cartilage

Hyaline cartilage protective padding covering bone ends that reduces friction and absorbs shock.

Synovial Membrane

The inner lining of the joint capsule that produces synovial fluid.

Synovial Fluid

Fluid that acts like oil to lubricate and nourish the articular cartilage and keep the joint moving.

Joint Cavity

The space between articulating bones containing synovial fluid.

Fibrous Capsule

A tough outer layer that provides protective covering and supports the joint.

Articular Capsule

The joint capsule structure composed of the fibrous capsule plus the synovial membrane.

Ligament

A strong strap connecting bone to bone that stabilizes the joint.

Tendon

A connective structure that connects muscle to bone.

Periosteum

A membrane covering the outer bone surface except at the articular cartilage.

Femur

The thigh bone, featuring medial and lateral condyles.

Tibia

The shinbone, featuring medial and lateral condyles.

Patella

The kneecap.

Fibula

The lateral lower-leg bone that is not part of the main knee articulation.

ACL

Ligament that prevents excessive forward movement of the tibia relative to the femur.

PCL

Ligament that prevents excessive backward movement of the tibia relative to the femur.

MCL

Ligament that stabilizes the inner side of the knee.

LCL

Ligament that stabilizes the outer side of the knee.

Medial Meniscus

The inner cartilage pad of the knee.

Lateral Meniscus

The outer cartilage pad of the knee.

Quadriceps Muscles

Muscles that straighten the knee.

Hamstrings

Muscles that bend the knee.

Flexion

Movement that decreases the joint angle, such as bending the elbow.

Extension

Movement that increases the joint angle, such as straightening.

Abduction

Movement away from the midline of the body.

Adduction

Movement towards the midline of the body.

Medial Rotation

Rotation turning toward the body's midline (inward).

Lateral Rotation

Rotation turning away from the body's midline (outward).

Elevation

Movement upward; raising a body part.

Depression

Movement downward; lowering a body part.

Retraction

Movement that pulls backward.

Protraction

Movement that moves forward or brings forward.

Dorsiflexion

Movement where the toes move towards the shin (toes up).

Plantar Flexion

Movement pointing the foot downward (tiptoes).

Inversion

Movement where the soles of the feet turn inward.

Eversion

Movement where the soles of the feet turn outward.

Supination

Movement where the palms turn upward or anteriorly ("hold soup").

Pronation

Movement where the palms turn downward or posteriorly ("pour soup").