Anatomy & Physiology: Classification of Joints

These flashcards cover the classification of joints, their characteristics, anatomy, and related conditions based on lecture notes from the course.

What is the definition of a joint (articulation)?

A joint is a place of contact between bones, bone and cartilage, or bones and teeth.

How are joints classified structurally?

Joints are classified into three types: fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial.

What is a fibrous joint?

A fibrous joint has no joint cavity and the bones are held together by dense connective tissue.

Give an example of a fibrous joint.

The lambdoid suture in the skull.

What is a cartilaginous joint?

A cartilaginous joint has no joint cavity and the bones are joined by cartilage.

Provide an example of a cartilaginous joint.

The intervertebral disc articulations.

What characterizes a synovial joint?

A synovial joint has a fluid-filled joint cavity separating articulating surfaces of bones.

How are joints functionally classified?

Joints are classified into synarthrosis, amphiarthrosis, and diarthrosis based on their movement.

What is a synarthrosis joint?

A synarthrosis is an immobile joint.

What is an example of a synarthrosis joint?

The joint between a tooth and the jaw.

What is an amphiarthrosis joint?

An amphiarthrosis is a slightly mobile joint.

Give an example of an amphiarthrosis joint.

The articulation between the tibia and fibula.

What is a diarthrosis joint?

A diarthrosis is a freely mobile joint.

What type of joints are all synovial joints classified as?

All synovial joints are classified as diarthrosis joints.

What are the basic features of synovial joints?

Synovial joints feature an articular capsule, joint cavity, synovial fluid, articular cartilage, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels.

What is the purpose of the synovial fluid?

Synovial fluid lubricates articular cartilage, nourishes the joint, and acts as a shock absorber.

What is an articular capsule?

A double-layered capsule surrounding a synovial joint, consisting of a fibrous layer and a synovial membrane.

What is the function of articular cartilage?

Articular cartilage reduces friction during movement, acts as a cushion, and prevents damage to the ends of bones.

What do ligaments do in a synovial joint?

Ligaments connect one bone to another and stabilize, strengthen, and reinforce synovial joints.

What is a bursa?

A bursa is a fibrous, saclike structure containing synovial fluid that alleviates friction at synovial joints.

What distinguishes a plane joint?

A plane joint allows limited side-to-side movement and is the simplest type of synovial articulation.

Identify an example of a hinge joint.

The elbow joint.

What is a pivot joint?

A pivot joint allows rotation around a single axis.

Give an example of a pivot joint.

The proximal radioulnar joint.

What defines a condylar joint?

A condylar joint is a biaxial joint that allows movement in two planes.

What is a saddle joint?

A saddle joint has surfaces that fit together as a saddle would, allowing for greater movement than condylar or hinge joints.

Identify an example of a ball-and-socket joint.

The shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint).

What are the three classes of levers in the human body?

First-class, second-class, and third-class levers.

What does a first-class lever do?

In a first-class lever, the fulcrum is between the effort and resistance.

Explain the purpose of the fibular and tibial collateral ligaments in the knee joint.

The fibular collateral ligament reinforces the lateral surface, while the tibial collateral ligament reinforces the medial surface and prevents leg hyperadduction and hyperabduction.

What impact does exercise have on joints?

Exercise enhances synovial fluid flow and strengthens muscles that support and stabilize joints.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a group of inflammatory or degenerative diseases of the joints characterized by swelling, pain, and stiffness.