Articulations

Functions of Joints

Articulations that connect two bones.

Movement

Joints enable movement as surrounding muscles and tendons exert the necessary amount of force across the joint.

Stability

Certain joints provide stability, particularly those allowing limited or no mobility.

Epiphyseal Plate

A temporary joint where long bones grow in length during skeletal development.

Synarthrosis

A functional classification of joints that allows no movement between articulating bones, providing maximum stability.

Amphiarthrosis

A functional classification of joints that allows a small amount of movement while providing significant stability.

Diarthrosis

A functional classification of joints that are freely moveable and allow a wide variety of movements, providing the least amount of stability.

Fibrous Joints

Joints united by dense regular collagenous connective tissue with no joint space, functionally synarthroses or amphiarthroses.

Sutures

A type of fibrous joint between the bones of the skull, characterized by having interlocking edges.

Gomphoses

A type of fibrous joint between a tooth and its corresponding alveolus, stable synarthroses.

Syndesmoses

Articulating bones connected by an interosseous membrane or ligament, allowing limited movement (amphiarthroses).

Synchondroses

Cartilaginous joints where bones are united by hyaline cartilage, functioning as synarthroses.

Symphyses

Cartilaginous joints united by a fibrocartilage pad, allowing limited movement (amphiarthroses).

Articular Capsule

A double-layered structure surrounding a synovial joint, containing a fibrous layer and a synovial membrane.

Synovial Fluid

Fluid secreted by the synovial membrane that lubricates the joint, supplies nutrients, and absorbs shock.

Bursitis

Inflammation of a bursa, commonly resulting from trauma or repetitive movements.

Arthritis

Inflammation of one or more joints resulting in pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

Osteoarthritis

The most common form of arthritis, arising from wear and tear over time.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disease leading to joint destruction mediated by the body's immune system.

Gouty Arthritis

Joint damage resulting from an inflammatory reaction to excess uric acid crystal deposits.

Range of Motion

The amount of movement a joint is capable of under normal circumstances.

Nonaxial Joints

Joints allowing motion in one or more planes without moving around an axis.

Multiaxial Joints

Joints allowing movement around three axes, such as the shoulder joint.

Plane Joint

A nonaxial joint with flat surfaces that allow for gliding movements.

Hinge Joint

A uniaxial joint where a convex surface fits into a concave surface, allowing flexion and extension.

Ball-and-Socket Joint

A multiaxial joint where the spherical head of one bone fits into a cup-shaped socket of another.

Elbow Joint

A hinge joint composed of two articulations: the humeroulnar and humeroradial joints.

Knee Joint

The largest diarthrosis in the body, allowing hinge and some rotational motions.

Shoulder Joint

A multiaxial ball-and-socket joint, the most freely movable joint in the body, though unstable.

Hip Joint

A multiaxial ball-and-socket joint that is more stable than the shoulder joint.