Joints in Human Anatomy and Physiology

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions regarding different types of joints, their classifications, movements allowed by joints, and common disorders associated with joints.

What are joints, or articulations?

Sites where two or more bones meet.

What are the two classifications of joints?

Structural and functional classifications.

What are the three types of structural classifications of joints?

Fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial.

What type of movement is allowed by synarthroses joints?

Immovable joints.

What distinguishes fibrous joints from other types of joints?

They are joined by dense fibrous connective tissue and have no joint cavity.

What are the three types of fibrous joints?

Sutures, syndesmoses, and gomphoses.

What is an example of a gomphosis joint?

The connection of teeth in their alveolar sockets.

What characterizes cartilaginous joints?

Bones are united by cartilage and have no joint cavity.

What are the two types of cartilaginous joints?

Synchondroses and symphyses.

What is the primary characteristic of synovial joints?

They separate bones with a fluid-filled joint cavity.

How many general features do synovial joints have?

Six general features.

Name a type of angular movement.

Flexion, extension, abduction, or adduction.

What type of joint is the shoulder?

Ball-and-socket joint.

What are the main movements allowed by the elbow joint?

Flexion and extension.

What is the role of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee?

It prevents forward sliding of the tibia and stops hyperextension.

What common joint disorders can occur?

Cartilage tears, sprains, and dislocations.

What is osteoarthritis?

A degenerative arthritis that results from wear and tear on the joints.

What is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Joint pain and swelling.

What is gouty arthritis caused by?

Deposition of uric acid crystals in joints.

How does aging affect joints?

Ligaments and tendons shorten and weaken, and intervertebral discs are more likely to herniate.