2. Connective Tissue and Joints

Vocabulary flashcards covering connective tissue and joint basics, including tissue types, joint structure, classifications, synovial components, joint subtypes, common movements, and arthritis.

Connective tissue

A tissue class containing cells and an extracellular matrix with fibers (notably collagen) and ground substance; supports and binds other tissues; usually vascularized.

Ground substance

The gel-like component of the extracellular matrix surrounding cells and fibers; can be viscous and hydrated.

Extracellular matrix

The network of fibers and ground substance outside cells that gives connective tissue its properties.

Collagen

A protein fiber that provides tensile strength to connective tissue.

Cartilage

An avascular connective tissue with a gel-like ground substance and fine collagen; cushions joints and heals slowly.

Connective tissue proper

A subdivision of connective tissue rich in fibers; includes dense and loose connective tissue; includes tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules.

Dense connective tissue proper

A type of connective tissue proper rich in collagen fibers; forms tendons and ligaments; relatively less vascularized.

Tendon

Dense connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone and transmits muscle force.

Ligament

Dense connective tissue that connects bone to bone and stabilizes joints.

Joint capsule

Fibrous tissue surrounding a synovial joint, enclosing the joint with an outer layer and inner lining.

Synovial membrane

Inner lining of the joint capsule that secretes synovial fluid.

Synovial fluid

A viscous, egg‑white–like fluid within the joint cavity that lubricates and nourishes the joint.

Articular cartilage

Thin cartilage covering the ends of bones in a synovial joint; reduces friction.

Menisci

Cartilaginous discs within some joints (e.g., knee) that cushion and distribute load.

Bursa

Fluid-filled sacs near joints that reduce friction between moving structures.

Bursitis

Inflammation of a bursa near a joint; causes pain and swelling.

Intervertebral disc

Cartilaginous joint between adjacent vertebrae; amphiarthrotic; cushions and allows limited movement.

Pubic symphysis

Cartilaginous joint between the pubic bones; amphiarthrotic.

Synarthrosis

An immobile or nearly immobile joint.

Amphiarthrosis

A slightly movable joint.

Diarthrosis

A freely movable joint; all synovial joints are diarthrotic.

Fibrous joint

Structural class where adjacent bones are united by dense connective tissue; no joint cavity.

Cartilaginous joint

Structural class where bones are joined by cartilage; no joint cavity.

Synovial joint

Structural class with a joint cavity containing synovial fluid; highly mobile; most common.

Six synovial joint subtypes

Hinge, Pivot, Condyloid/Ellipsoid, Plane/Planar, Saddle, Ball‑and‑Socket; shapes determine movement and planes.

Hinge joint

Uniaxial; flexion/extension in the sagittal plane.

Pivot joint

Uniaxial; rotation around a single axis within a ring.

Condyloid/Ellipsoid joint

Biaxial; concave/oval surfaces allow movement in two planes (sagittal and frontal).

Plane/Planar joint

Gliding joint with flat surfaces; usually biaxial; small, constrained movements.

Saddle joint

Biaxial; saddle-shaped surfaces allow movement in two planes; includes the thumb joint.

Ball-and-Socket joint

Multiaxial; ball fits into socket; greatest range of motion (shoulder, hip).

Uniaxial (Monaxial)

Movement in one plane.

Biaxial

Movement in two planes.

Multiaxial (Triaxial/Polyaxial)

Movement in three planes.

Osteoarthritis

Most common form of arthritis; degenerative wear of articular cartilage; age-related.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Autoimmune inflammatory arthritis affecting the synovium; often symmetric and erosive.

Arthroplasty

Joint replacement surgery to restore function and relieve pain.

Synovial joint components

Joint cavity, articular capsule, synovial fluid, articular cartilage, ligaments, tendons, synovial membrane.

Abduction

Movement away from the midline in the coronal plane.

Adduction

Movement toward the midline in the coronal plane.