Joints (Marieb)

Joint

A site where two or more bones meet.

Synovial Joint

A joint where two bones are joined together with a space filled with synovial fluid, allowing for free movement.

Fibrous Joints

Joints connected by collagen fibers, lacking a joint cavity; examples include sutures, syndesmoses, and gomphoses.

Cartilaginous Joints

Joints where bones are united by cartilage, lacking a joint cavity; includes synchondroses and symphyses.

Synarthrosis

A functional classification of joints that allows little or no movement.

Amphiarthrosis

A functional classification of joints that permits slight movement.

Diarthrosis

A functional classification for freely movable joints, characterized by a synovial joint cavity.

Sutures

Immovable fibrous joints found only in the skull, composed of interlocking junctions filled with connective tissue.

Meniscus

Cartilage found in some synovial joints that absorbs shock and maintains joint alignment.

Bursa

Flattened, fibrous sacs lined with synovial membrane, containing synovial fluid, often found where tendons or ligaments rub against bone.

Arthritis

A group of over 100 inflammatory or degenerative diseases that damage joints, characterized by pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Osteoarthritis

Most common chronic arthritis, often referred to as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, affecting mostly older individuals.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the joints, often leading to joint deformity and stiffness.

Gouty Arthritis

A form of arthritis characterized by the deposition of uric acid crystals in joints, often affecting the big toe.

Synovial Fluid

A lubricating fluid within the synovial cavity that reduces friction and nourishes articular cartilage.

Fibrous Capsule

A thick layer of connective tissue that forms the outer layer of a synovial joint capsule.

Articular Cartilage

Smooth cartilage covering the ends of bones in a joint, helping to reduce friction during joint movement.

Ligament

A connective tissue that attaches bone to bone, providing stability and support to joints.

Tendon

A connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone, enabling movement of bones in response to muscular contraction.

Flexion

The movement that decreases the angle between body parts.

Extension

The movement that increases the angle between body parts.

Abduction

Movement of a limb away from the midline of the body.

Adduction

Movement of a limb toward the midline of the body.

Circumduction

A circular movement at a joint where the distal end of the limb moves in a circle while the proximal end remains fixed.

Dislocation

The displacement of bones at a joint, often resulting from injury.

Subluxation

Partial dislocation of a joint.

Bursitis

Inflammation of a bursa, typically caused by injury or overuse.

Tendonitis

Inflammation of the tendon sheaths often due to overuse.