biol114 - ch.8

Joints

Points where bones meet and allow for movement.

Functional

Referring to the purpose or role of something.

Structural

Referring to the physical or anatomical characteristics of something.

Synarthrosis

Name for a joint with no movement.

Synostosis

Fusion of bones, such as at the front of the frontal bone.

Synchondrosis

A joint between bones where cartilage is present, such as between the first rib and sternum.

Suture

The fusion of skull bones with no movement.

Gomphosis

A joint where a tooth articulates with the mandible or maxilla.

Amphiarthrosis

A joint with a little bit of movement under certain conditions.

Symphysis

A joint between bones, such as the pubic symphysis, often associated with childbirth.

Syndesmosis

A joint between bones with a short ligament, such as the distal end of the tibia and fibula.

Diarthrosis

A joint with free movement.

Synovial

Joints that have synovial fluid, a synovial membrane, and a joint capsule.

Lubrication

The function of synovial joints to provide lubrication for smooth movement.

Shock Absorption

The function of synovial joints to absorb shock, often with the help of fat pads.

Nutrient Distribution

The function of synovial joints to distribute nutrients to the articular cartilage.

Protects Articular Cartilage

The function of synovial joints to protect the articular cartilage from damage.

Meniscus

Pads located between the femur and tibia in the knee joint, filled with synovial fluid.

Ligaments

Connective tissues that provide stability to joints, such as the ACL and PCL in the knee.

Bursa

Fluid-filled pockets that reduce friction between tendons and ligaments.

Fat Pads

Pads that provide shock absorption in joints, such as under the patella in the knee.

Plane Joint

Joints where bones glide over each other, usually flat, such as the tarsals.

Pivot Joint

Joints that allow for turning and rotating, such as between the atlas and axis vertebrae.

Saddle Joint

Joints that allow for side-to-side or tilting movements, such as the metacarpal of the thumb and trapezium.

Hinge Joint

Joints that function like a door, allowing for opening and closing movements, such as the elbows or knees.

Condylar Joint

Joints with rounded projections that allow for certain movements, including a little bit of gliding, such as the distal end of the radius.

Ball & Socket Joint

Joints with the greatest range of motion, such as the shoulders and hips.

Flexion

Decrease of an angle, such as bending the elbow.

Extension

Increase of an angle, such as straightening the knee.

Depression

Bringing something down, such as lowering the shoulders.

Elevation

Lifting something up, such as raising the shoulders.