Arthrology and Joint Movements

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts regarding joint types, movements, and their anatomical characteristics.

Arthrology

The science of joint structure.

Bony Joint

An immovable joint (non-movable), such as where bones fuse together.

Fibrous Joint

A type of joint connected by dense connective tissue, usually immovable.

Cartilaginous Joint

Joints where bones are united by cartilage, allowing for limited movement.

Synovial Joint

A joint characterized by a fluid-filled joint cavity that allows for a range of movements.

Sutures

Immovable or slightly movable fibrous joints found in the skull.

Gomphosis

A fibrous joint that binds a tooth to its socket.

Synchondrosis

A cartilaginous joint where bones are bound by hyaline cartilage.

Symphysis

A type of cartilaginous joint where bones are joined by fibrocartilage.

Flexion

Decreasing the angle of a joint, bringing two body parts closer together.

Extension

Increasing the angle of a joint, straightening a body part.

Abduction

Movement away from the midline of the body, such as raising an arm.

Adduction

Movement toward the midline of the body, such as crossing fingers.

Dorsiflexion

Movement that raises the foot upwards at the ankle.

Plantar Flexion

Movement that points the toes and extends the foot downwards.

Range of Motion (ROM)

The degree through which a joint can move.

Bursa

A fibrous sac filled with synovial fluid that reduces friction between tissues.

Tendon

A cord of strong tissue that connects muscle to bone.

Ligament

Tissue that connects bone to bone at a joint.

Meniscus

A crescent-shaped cartilage in the knee that provides cushioning.