Classification of Joints - Unit 9

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing structural classifications of fibrous and cartilaginous joints, including their specific types, connecting tissues, and anatomical examples.

Fibrous joints

Joints where bones are connected by fibrous connective tissue or collagen fibers, usually very stable with little or no movement.

Suture

A type of fibrous joint located in the skull where the bones have interlocking edges.

Gomphosis

A type of fibrous joint between a tooth and its socket, in which the tooth is held in place by the periodontal ligament.

Periodontal ligament

The ligament that holds a tooth in its socket in a gomphosis joint.

Syndesmosis

A type of fibrous joint where bones are connected by a long fibrous membrane, found between the radius and ulna, as well as between the tibia and fibula.

Interosseous membrane

A long fibrous membrane connecting bones in a syndesmosis, such as between the radius and ulna.

Cartilaginous joints

Joints in which the articulating bones are connected by cartilage.

Synchondrosis

A type of cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage, exemplified by the epiphyseal plate and costochondral joints.

Symphysis

A type of cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by a tough cartilage pad that acts as a cushion, such as the pubic symphysis and the joints between vertebral bodies.

Fibrous joints

Joints where articulating bones are connected by dense collagen fibers, usually very stable with little or no movement.

Suture

A type of fibrous joint located exclusively in the skull where adjacent bones possess interlocking edges.

Gomphosis

A specialized peg-and-socket fibrous joint where a tooth is anchored into its alveolar socket by the periodontal ligament.

Periodontal ligament

The fibrous connective tissue structure that firmly anchors a tooth into its bony socket.

Syndesmosis

A fibrous joint in which articulating bones are joined by a broad sheet of connective tissue, such as between the radius and ulna or tibia and fibula.

Interosseous membrane

A broad, flat fibrous sheet connecting two parallel long bones in a syndesmosis joint, such as between the radius and ulna.

Cartilaginous joints

Joints in which articulating bones are held together entirely by cartilage, permitting limited or no movement.

Synchondrosis

A cartilaginous joint united specifically by hyaline cartilage, exemplified by epiphyseal growth plates and costochondral junctions.

Symphysis

A compressible cartilaginous joint united by a pad of fibrocartilage that acts as a shock absorber, such as between vertebral bodies and between the pubic bones.

Synovial joints

Freely movable joints characterized by the presence of a fluid-filled joint cavity situated between articulating bones.

Plane joint

A joint that permits gliding or sliding movements between flat articular surfaces, exemplified by the intercarpal joints of the wrist.

Condylar joint

A biaxial joint allowing back-and-forth as well as side-to-side movements, exemplified by the knuckles.

Saddle joint

A biaxial joint with interlocking concave and convex surfaces that allows back-and-forth and side-to-side movements, exemplified by the base of the thumb.

Hinge joint

A uniaxial joint that allows angular movement along a single plane like a door swinging, exemplified by the elbow.

Pivot joint

A uniaxial joint that permits rotational movement around a central axis, exemplified by the proximal radioulnar joint.

Ball-and-socket joint

A multiaxial joint capable of the greatest range of movement in all planes, exemplified by the shoulder and hip joints.

Joint capsule

An envelope enclosing the joint that stabilizes and protects it.

Fibrous capsule

The tough outer layer of the joint capsule that provides strength.

Synovial membrane

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

Capsular ligament

A thickened region of the joint capsule that reinforces the joint.

Intracapsular ligament

A supportive band situated inside the joint capsule that stabilizes the joint.

Extracapsular ligament

A supportive band located outside the joint capsule that reinforces the joint.

Tendon

A fibrous cord connecting muscle to bone that moves the bone when a muscle contracts.

Bursae

Small fluid-filled sacs located near joints that reduce friction between moving parts.