Joints, Movements, and Cartilage Types

Vocabulary review covering structural joint classifications, joint movements, directional injury mechanisms, and cartilage varieties based on lecture notes.

Fibrous joint

The least movable type of joint, in which bones are connected by tissue and barely move.

Cartilage joint

A slightly movable type of joint where bones are connected (also referred to as a cartless joint).

Synovial joint

The most movable type of joint, where bones have a fluid space and allow movement.

Pivot joint

A joint characterized by turning movement.

Hinge joint

A joint that moves like a door.

Saddle joint

A type of joint found in the thumb.

Condylar joint

A type of joint found in the wrist.

Plane joint

A joint that allows sliding movement.

Ball and socket joint

A joint capable of movement in all directions.

Rotation

The movement of turning a bone.

Circumduction

Moving a body part in a circle.

Abduction

Moving a body part away from the body.

Adduction

Moving a body part towards the body (adding back).

Depression

Moving a body part downwards.

Elevation

Moving a body part upward, such as lifting up in shoulder shucks.

Flexion

Bending a joint to fold it or make the angle smaller.

Extension

Straightening or extending a joint back from flexion.

Hyperextension

Extending a joint past its normal position.

Plantar flexion

Pointing the toes downward.

Dorsiflexion

Pointing the toes upward.

Varus

outward positioning or force that usually injures the LCL.

Valgus

inward positioning or force that usually injures the MCL.

Anterior

Referring to the front; forces from this direction usually injure the ACL

Posterior

Referring to the back.

Articular hyaline cartilage

Smooth, flexible cartilage that cushions joints at the ends of bones; it is the most common type.

Elastic cartilage

Flexible cartilage that bends and returns to shape, found in the ear and epiglottis.

Fibr cartilage

Strong, dense, firm cartilage that absorbs shock; found in spiral discs and the knee meniscus.