Joints (Articulations)

These flashcards cover the key concepts related to joints and their classifications, functionalities, structures, and movements.

Joints

Sites where two or more bones meet.

Functional Classification of Joints

Classifies joints based on their movement: immovable (synarthroses), slightly movable (amphiarthroses), and freely movable (diarthroses).

Fibrous Joints

Joints connected by dense fibrous connective tissue without a joint cavity, mostly immovable.

Cartilaginous Joints

Joints where bones are connected by cartilage and do not have a joint cavity, allowing limited mobility.

Synovial Joints

Joints where bones are separated by a fluid-filled cavity, allowing for a wide range of motion.

Articular Cartilage

Hyaline cartilage that prevents crushing of bone ends at synovial joints.

Joint Cavity

The small, fluid-filled space between the bones in a synovial joint.

Synovial Fluid

Viscous fluid that lubricates and nourishes articular cartilage.

Hinge Joint

A joint that permits movement in one plane, allowing flexion and extension, like the elbow.

Ball and Socket Joint

The joint providing the greatest range of motion where the rounded head of one bone fits into the concave socket of another.