Chapter 9

Articulations

A point where two skeletal elements meet.

Skeletal elements

Includes bone, cartilage, and teeth.

Arthrology

The study of joints.

Kinesiology

The study of movement.

Synarthrosis

An immovable joint.

Amphiarthrosis

A slightly movable joint.

Diarthrosis

A freely movable joint.

Fibrous joints

Joints with no joint cavity; bones held together by fibrous connective tissue.

Suture

A seam where bones are joined by a thin layer of dense fibrous connective tissue; synarthosis.

Syndesmosis

Fibrous joint with an interosseous membrane or ligament allowing some movement (amphiarthrosis).

Gomphosis

A conical peg (tooth) fitting into a socket; classified as a synarthrosis.

Cartilaginous joints

Joints with no joint cavity; bones held together by cartilage.

Synchondrosis

A type of cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage, classified as synarthosis.

Symphysis

A type of cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by fibrocartilage, classified as amphiarthrosis.

Synovial joints

Joints with a synovial cavity that allows for free movement, classified as diarthrosis.

Articular cartilage

Hyaline cartilage covering the articular surface of bones.

Synovial fluid

Fluid secreted by the synovial membrane to lubricate and nourish the joint.

Bursae

Sac-like structures that reduce friction in joints.

Elevation

Upward movement of a body part.

Depression

Downward movement of a body part.

Flexion

Decreases the angle between articulating bones.

Extension

Increases the angle between articulating bones.

Abduction

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

Adduction

Movement of a bone toward the midline of the body.

Circumduction

Movement in a circular manner combining flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction.

Rotation

Bone revolves around its own longitudinal axis.

Medial rotation

Moving the anterior surface of a limb towards the midline.

Lateral rotation

Moving the anterior surface of a limb away from the midline.

Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease caused by aging and wear, leading to cartilage degeneration.

Gouty Arthritis

Caused by the buildup of urate crystals in joints, leading to pain and inflammation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disorder that attacks articular cartilage, causing inflammation and severe pain.

Ankylosing spondylitis

A syndrome affecting joints between the vertebrae, causing stiffness.

Arthroscopy

Joint examination using small instruments and a microscope.

Arthroplasty

Joint replacement surgery used to replace damaged joints.