Anatomy and Physiology - Study Questions: Joints

What are the different parts of a synovial joint?

• The joint capsule, which is like a bag that contains all the other parts.

• The synovial membrane, which lines the joint capsule and produces synovial fluid for lubrication.

• The synovial fluid, which helps the joint move smoothly.

• The cartilage, which covers the ends of the bones and makes sure they can glide over each other easily.

• The ligaments, which are like strong bands that help keep the bones together.

What is a bursa and tendon sheath?

A bursa is like a small cushion filled with fluid that reduces friction between body parts. A tendon sheath is a layer of membrane around a tendon, providing it with extra protection and reducing friction when it moves.

What are the six different types of synovial joints, and what are examples of each?

1. Hinge joints, like your elbows and knees, that bend and straighten.

2. Pivot joints, like your neck, let you rotate or twist.

3. Ball and socket joints, like your shoulder and hip, allow all-around movement.

4. Saddle joints, like your thumb, let you grasp and spread.

5. Plane joints, like the bones in your wrist, slide against each other.

6. Condyloid joints, like your wrist to your arm, do circular motion without rotation.

What are the different ways that joints can move? (eg. flexion, extension, etc.)

• Flexion: Bending a joint to reduce the angle between two parts, like bending your elbow.

• Extension: Straightening a joint to increase the angle, like straightening your leg.

• Rotation: Turning a part of the body around its axis, like shaking your head.

• Abduction: Moving away from the midline of the body, like spreading your arms wide.

• Adduction: Moving toward the midline of the body, like bringing your arms back to your sides.

What are the different ligaments of the knee, and what is their function?

1. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) are in the middle of the knee. They prevent the knee from moving too far forward or backward.

2. The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) is on the inside of the knee, and the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) is on the outside. They prevent the knee from moving too far side-to-side.

What are the different types of cartilage found in the knee?

There are two types of cartilage in the knee. One is called 'meniscus', which acts like a cushion between your thigh bone and shin bone. The other is 'articular' cartilage, it covers the ends of bones to help them smoothly glide against each other.