Human Anatomy: Joints and Articulations

Articulations are places where two bones come together.

All joints are freely movable.

Joints can only be named according to one of the articulating bones.

Fibrous joints are considered immovable.

The tibiofibular ligament is an example of a synovial joint.

A ball-and-socket joint allows for multi-directional movement and rotation.

Ellipsoid joints have a limited range of motion compared to hinge joints.

Ligaments serve only to connect bones to each other without reinforcing the joint.

A hinge joint allows movement in one direction only.

Intracapsular ligaments are located inside the joint capsule.

Cartilaginous joints are slightly movable.

Synovial joints are the least common types of joints in the body.

Synovial fluid serves to lubricate and reduce friction between moving joint surfaces.

Meniscus or articular discs are found in all synovial joints.

Synovial fluid helps in nutrient and oxygen distribution to the chondrocytes of articular cartilages.

Articulations (Joints)

Place where two bones come together
Movement is either freely movable, limited, or no apparent movement
Structure is related to movement
Named according to bones/parts united at the joint
Named according to one of the articulating bones
Named using Latin equivalent of the common name
Types of joints are categorized by structure and function

Types of Joints

Fibrous Joints:
- Immovable (e.g., sutures in the skull, tibiofibular ligament).
Cartilaginous Joints:
- Slightly movable (e.g., costal cartilage-sternum, pubic symphysis, intervertebral disc).

Synovial Joints

Most common in the body
Usually freely movable
Have articular surfaces on bone with hyaline cartilage
Completely enclosed joint capsule made of ligamentous connective tissue
Synovial fluid within the capsule lubricates the joint
Some have a meniscus or articular disc (e.g., knee, jaw joint)

Functions of Synovial Fluid

Lubrication: Reduces friction between moving surfaces during compression
Distribution of nutrients and oxygen to chondrocytes of articular cartilage
Waste disposal for chondrocytes
Absorption and distribution of compression forces across articular surfaces outward to the joint capsule

Types of Synovial Joints

Plane/gliding
Saddle
Hinge
Pivot
Ball-and-socket
Ellipsoid

Ligaments

Strengthen and reinforce joints
Separate from joint capsule
Can be intracapsular (inside the capsule) or extracapsular (outside the capsule)
Example of intracapsular ligaments: cruciate ligaments
Example of extracapsular ligaments: patellar ligament

Explore the fascinating world of human joints in this quiz on articulations. Understand the types of joints, their structures, and functions, including the crucial role of synovial fluid. Test your knowledge on how these connections enable movement and stability in the human body.