Joints, Ligaments, Tendons, and Cartilage Review

Joint Classifications

• By Tissue Type: Fibrous, Cartilaginous, Synovial.

• By Degree of Movement:

  • Synarthrosis (immovable)

  • Amphiarthrosis (slightly moveable)

  • Diarthrosis (freely moveable)

Fibrous Joints

• Bones bound by tough fibrous connective tissue.

• Prioritize strength and stability over range of motion.

• Types: Suture, Gomphoses, Syndesmosis.

Cartilaginous Joints

• Bones united by fibrocartilage or hyaline cartilage.

• Types:

  • Synchondroses: Immovable; united by hyaline cartilage.

  • Symphyses: Slightly movable; united by fibrocartilage.

Synovial Joints

• Feature a fluid-filled joint cavity (synovial fluid) within a fibrous capsule.

• Freely movable and most common joint type.

• Types: Hinge, Saddle, Ball & Socket, Planar, Pivot, Condyloid.

• Hinge Joints: Movement on one plane (flexion/extension).

• Ball & Socket Joints: Allow rotation and movement in almost any direction.

Ligaments

• Connect bone to bone.

• Hold structures and stabilize joints.

• Composed of fibrous connective tissue.

Tendons

• Attach muscle to bone.

• Facilitate movement and provide stability.

• Composed of fibrous connective tissue.

Cartilage

• Provides cushion between bones.

• Flexible connective tissue.

• Reduces friction and absorbs shock.