Skeletal System: Joints, Articulations, and Movements

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts in the skeletal system's joints, classifications, types, and movements, as well as common joint disorders.

What is a joint?

A place where adjacent bones or bone and cartilage come together to form a connection.

What are the two classifications of joints?

Joints are classified structurally and functionally.

What is a fibrous joint?

A joint where adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective tissue.

What is a cartilaginous joint?

A joint where the bones are joined by hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage.

What is a synovial joint?

A joint where the articulating surfaces of the bones are in a fluid-filled joint cavity that allows for free movement.

What are the functional classifications of joints?

They are classified as synarthrosis (immobile), amphiarthrosis (slightly movable), or diarthrosis (freely movable).

What type of joint is the suture in the skull?

It is a synarthrosis, or immobile joint.

Give an example of an amphiarthrosis joint.

The pubic symphysis.

What allow synovial joints to be freely movable?

The presence of a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid.

What is the purpose of articular cartilage?

It reduces friction and absorbs shock at the ends of bones.

Define synovial fluid.

A thick, lubricating fluid secreted by the synovial membrane that nourishes cartilage and reduces friction.

What is the role of ligaments in joints?

They strengthen and stabilize the joint.

What is a uniaxial joint?

A joint that allows movement in one plane.

What is an example of a biaxial joint?

The metacarpophalangeal joint in the hand.

What is a multiaxial joint?

A joint that allows movement across three axes.

Give an example of a multiaxial joint.

The shoulder or hip joint.

What is flexion?

Decreasing the angle between two bones.

What is extension?

Increasing the angle between two bones.

Define abduction.

Moving a limb away from the midline of the body.

Define adduction.

Moving a limb toward the midline of the body.

What is circumduction?

Circular movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.

Explain rotation in joint movement.

Movement around a bone’s long axis.

What does the term gliding refer to in joint movement?

Sliding movements between flat bone surfaces.

What is dorsiflexion?

Lifting the front of the foot toward the leg.

What is plantar flexion?

Pointing the toes downward.

Define inversion in terms of foot movement.

Turning the foot to angle the bottom toward the midline.

What is eversion?

Turning the foot to angle the bottom away from the midline.

Define protraction.

Moving forward or pushing the shoulder forward.

What is retraction?

Pulling the shoulder back toward the spine.

Define elevation of the mandible.

Moving the jaw upward.

What does depression refer to in joint movement?

Moving a body part downward.

Explain superior rotation of the scapula.

Movement of the glenoid cavity upward during upper limb abduction.

What is opposition?

The thumb movement bringing its tip to the tip of a finger.

Describe adhesive capsulitis.

A condition where scar tissue reduces shoulder mobility.

Define osteoarthritis.

A degenerative joint disease where cartilage breaks down.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

An autoimmune disorder that attacks joint tissues.

What causes gout?

Uric acid crystal buildup in joints leading to inflammation.

Define bursitis.

Inflammation of the bursa, caused by repetitive motion or pressure.

What is the main function of the quadriceps muscle at the knee?

To extend the leg at the knee and provide stabilization.

What is the largest joint in the body?

The knee joint.

Describe the structure of the elbow joint.

A uniaxial hinge joint with three articulations.

What joint allows for rotation of the radius?

The proximal radioulnar joint.

What is the role of the articular discs in the knee?

They act as shock absorbers and stabilize the joint.

What are the cruciate ligaments in the knee?

Ligaments that stabilize the knee joint in various positions.

What is the TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint that allows for jaw movements.

What characterizes a modified hinge joint?

Allows for gliding and hinge motions in the jaw.

What symptoms are associated with joint disorders?

Pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.