Chapter 8 The Skeletal System: Joints

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering the skeletal system, focusing on joints, types of joints, their functions, associated conditions, and movements.

Joint

Articulations of bones that hold them together and allow for mobility.

Synarthroses

Immovable joints primarily found in the axial skeleton.

Amphiarthroses

Slightly movable joints that provide some degree of flexibility.

Diarthroses

Freely movable joints, predominantly located in the limbs.

Fibrous joints

Joints where bones are united by fibrous tissue, generally immovable.

Cartilaginous joints

Joints where bones are connected by cartilage, with varying movement (immovable to slightly movable).

Synovial joints

Joints where articulating bones are separated by a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid.

Bursae

Flattened fibrous sacs lined with synovial membranes that reduce friction in joints.

Tendon Sheath

An elongated bursa that wraps around a tendon subjected to friction.

Pivot joint

A uniaxial joint where one bone rotates around its long axis.

Condyloid joint

A biaxial joint allowing movement in two planes; oval shaped.

Saddle joint

A biaxial joint with articular surfaces having both convex and concave areas.

Ball & Socket joint

The most freely moving joint, allowing multiaxial movement including rotation.

Bursitis

Inflammation of a bursa usually caused by a blow or friction.

Tendonitis

Inflammation of tendon sheaths.

Arthritis

Inflammatory or degenerative diseases of joints, with over 100 different types.

Osteoarthritis

The most common chronic form of arthritis, often related to aging.

Gouty Arthritis

Inflammation caused by the deposition of urate crystals from the blood.

Flexion

The process of bending a limb.

Extension

The act of straightening a flexed limb.

Hyperextension

Extension of a limb beyond its normal range.

Abduction

Movement away from the median plane of the body.

Adduction

Movement toward the median plane of the body.

Circumduction

Circular movement of a limb.

Dorsiflexion

Turning the foot or toes upward.

Plantar flexion

Extending the ankle and pointing the toes away from the body.

Inversion

Turning the sole of the foot inward.

Eversion

Turning the sole of the foot outward.

Supination

Turning the palm forward or upward.

Pronation

Turning the palm backward or downward.

Opposition

The thumb's ability to turn back against the other fingers, enabling grip refinement.