Arthrology: Joints and Movements

These flashcards cover key anatomical terms and concepts related to joints, types of joints, their functions, common injuries, and movements associated with the musculoskeletal system.

Arthrogram

A specialized MRI used to assess specific structures in a joint.

Arthritis

Inflammation of a joint.

Articulation

The point where two bones meet to form a joint.

Fibrous joint

A joint where two bones are connected by collagen fibers.

Cartilaginous joint

A joint where two bones are joined by cartilage.

Synovial joint

A joint characterized by a joint capsule with synovial fluid, allowing for free movement.

Synarthrotic joint

A type of joint that is immovable.

Amphiarthrotic joint

A joint that allows for a small degree of movement.

Diarthrotic joint

A joint that is freely movable.

Sutures

Fibrous joints in the skull where bones are joined by collagen fibers.

Dense connective tissue

Tissue type made primarily of collagen fibers, found in fibrous joints.

Intervertebral disc

A cartilaginous joint made of fibrocartilage between vertebrae.

Hyaline cartilage

A type of cartilage that provides support and flexibility; found in synchondroses.

Syndesmosis

A fibrous joint connected by a piece of ligament, such as the connection between the radius and ulna.

Gomphosis

A type of fibrous joint that holds teeth in their sockets.

Synostosis

A fused bone joint, typically formed by ossification of sutures.

Synchondrosis

A cartilaginous joint connected by hyaline cartilage.

Symphysis

A cartilaginous joint where fibrocartilage unites two bones.

Articular cartilage

Smooth cartilage covering the ends of bones in synovial joints.

Joint capsule

A structure surrounding a synovial joint, containing synovial fluid.

Synovial fluid

Lubricating fluid produced by the synovial membrane within joint capsules.

Extrinsic ligament

A ligament that is located outside of the joint capsule.

Intracapsular ligament

A ligament that lies inside the joint capsule.

Intrinsic ligament

A ligament that blends into the joint capsule.

Meniscus

A fibrocartilage structure in the knee that absorbs impact.

Bursa

A small fluid-filled sac that cushions joints.

Tendon sheath

A protective sleeve surrounding a tendon.

Pivot joint

A type of synovial joint that allows for rotational movement.

Hinge joint

A type of synovial joint that permits flexion and extension.

Saddle joint

A biaxial joint allowing movement along two planes.

Gliding joint

A joint allowing bones to slide over one another.

Condyloid joint

A joint with a rounded surface that allows movement in two planes.

Ball and socket joint

A joint allowing movement in multiple axes and planes.

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disease due to wear and tear.

Gout

A type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis

An autoimmune disorder that affects joints, causing inflammation and pain.

Flexion

A movement that decreases the angle between two body parts.

Extension

A movement that increases the angle between two body parts.

Abduction

Movement away from the midline of the body.

Adduction

Movement toward the midline of the body.

Circumduction

A circular movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.

Dorsiflexion

Flexion of the foot upwards toward the shin.

Plantar flexion

Movement of the foot downwards away from the shin.

Supination

Rotation of the forearm so the palm faces upward.

Pronation

Rotation of the forearm so the palm faces downward.

Inversion

Turning the sole of the foot inward.

Eversion

Turning the sole of the foot outward.

Elevation

Raising a body part.

Depression

Lowering a body part.

Protraction

Moving a body part forward.

Retraction

Moving a body part backward.

Lateral flexion

Bending the trunk sideways.

Excursion

Side-to-side movement of the jaw.

Opposition

Movement of the thumb towards the other fingers.

Hyperflexion

Excessive flexion beyond normal limits.

Hypoflexion

Insufficient flexion below normal limits.

Hyperextension

Excessive extension beyond normal limits.

Hypoextension

Insufficient extension below normal limits.

Scaption

Movement of the scapula during shoulder motion.

Diarthrodial joints

Freely movable joints.

C1 and C2 vertebrae

Joints that allow for head rotation.

Accessory structures

Additional components in joints that assist with function.

Fibrocartilage

Cartilage that contains fibrous tissue for additional strength.

Articular disc

A fibrocartilage structure that improves fit between bones in a joint.

Rheumatoid factor (RF)

An antibody present in the blood of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

Cartilage

A flexible connective tissue that cushions joints.

Tendon

A connective tissue that connects muscles to bones.

Ligament

A connective tissue that connects bones to other bones.

PCL

Posterior cruciate ligament, stabilizing the knee.

ACL

Anterior cruciate ligament, preventing forward movement of the tibia.

MCL

Medial collateral ligament, stabilizing the inner knee.

LCL

Lateral collateral ligament, stabilizing the outer knee.

Spinal segments

Sections of the spine that contribute to flexibility and movement.

Lumbar spine

The lower back region composed of five vertebrae.

Thoracic spine

The middle back region composed of twelve vertebrae.

Cervical spine

The neck region composed of seven vertebrae.

Sacrum

The triangular bone at the base of the spine formed by fusion of vertebrae.

Coccyx

The tailbone; the small bone at the very base of the vertebral column.

Chondrocytes

Cells found in cartilage that produce the cartilage matrix.

Articular surfaces

The areas of cartilage that interact between two bones.

Meniscal tears

Injuries to the cartilage in the knee joint.