joints

Joints

Points where two or more bones meet, allowing for movement and support.

Articulations

Another term for joints, emphasizing the connection between bones.

Fibrous joints

Joints joined by dense connective tissue that are immobile, such as sutures and teeth.

Cartilaginous joints

Joints connected by cartilage, either hyaline or fibrocartilage, allowing slight mobility, like the pubic symphysis.

Synovial joints

Freely mobile joints with a joint cavity slightly enclosed by a joint capsule, containing articular cartilage.

Joint capsule

Structure surrounding a synovial joint, composed of an outer fibrous layer and an inner synovial layer.

Synovial fluid

Fluid produced by the synovial layer that cushions bones in joints.

Range of motion

The extent of degrees a joint can move, influenced by various structural factors.

Plane joint

A joint with flat articular surfaces that allows multidirectional movement, such as in carpals and tarsals.

Hinge joint

A joint where a convex end of a bone fits into a c-shaped depression, allowing flexion and extension, like the elbow.

Pivot joint

A joint where a rounded portion of bone is partially enclosed by a ligament, allowing rotation, such as in the proximal radio-ulnar joint.

Ball and socket joint

A joint where a rounded head of one bone fits into a depression of another, allowing multidirectional movement, like the shoulder and hip.

Glenohumeral joint

The shoulder joint, a ball and socket joint between the glenoid fossa and the head of the humerus.

Humeroulnar joint

A hinge joint in the elbow between the humerus and ulna.

Humeroradial joint

Another hinge joint in the elbow between the humerus and radius.

Coxal joint

The hip joint, a ball and socket joint between the head of the femur and the acetabulum.

Acetabular labrum

A structure that deepens the acetabulum in the hip joint.

Menisci

Cartilage structures in the knee that cushion and stabilize the joint.

Talocrural joint

The ankle joint, formed by the tibia, fibula, and talus, primarily a hinge joint.

Ligaments

Strong connective tissues that strengthen joints and provide stability.