Joints: Structure, Function, and Types

Where 2 bones meet, allowing for movement and stability.

The study of the structure, function, and dysfunction of joints.

Study of movements and the mechanical principles governing the body's motion.

The study of musculoskeletal movement, including anatomy, physiology, and mechanics.

Fibrous, cartilaginous, bony, and synovial joints - each offering different degrees of movement.

Immovable joints where two bones have ossified together. Often results from fusion of fibrous or cartilaginous joints over time.

An example of a bony joint, representing the fusion of two bones.

Joints with little to no movement, where collagen fibers bind adjacent bones.

A type of fibrous joint characterized by limited movement.

Sutures, syndesmoses, and gomphoses; each characterized by the type and arrangement of fibrous connective tissue.

Immobile or slightly movable joints found in the skull, connected by interlocking (serrate), overlapping (lap), or straight (plane) edges.

Joints where long collagen fibers bind two bones, allowing for slight movement. Example: ulna-radius & tibia-fibula.

The attachment of a tooth to its socket, held in place by periodontal ligaments, allowing slight movement during chewing.

Joints allowing limited movement achieved by cartilage.

Synchondroses (hyaline cartilage) and symphyses (fibrocartilage).

Synchondroses use hyaline cartilage (e.g., epiphyseal plate); symphyses use fibrocartilage (e.g., pubic symphysis, intervertebral discs).

Freely movable joints, these are the most structurally complex and prone to dysfunction.

Freely movable, structurally complex joints that are most likely to develop dysfunctions.

Covers the surface of bones within synovial joints, composed of hyaline cartilage to provide a smooth, low-friction surface.

Encloses the joint cavity, with an outer fibrous capsule and an inner synovial membrane that produces synovial fluid.

A sac of synovial fluid cushioning tendons or muscles.

Ball-and-socket, condylar, saddle, plane, hinge, and pivot.

Multiaxial - allowing movement in front/back, up/down, and side/side directions.

Biaxial - allowing movement in front/back and side/side directions.

Biaxial - allowing flexion/extension and abduction/adduction.

Biaxial - characterized by gliding movements over a curved surface.

Monoaxial - allowing rotation only.

Monoaxial - allowing movement in one direction (like a door hinge).

Flexion decreases joint angle; extension straightens joint angle.

Abduction is movement away from the midline; adduction is movement towards the midline.

Elevation moves a structure up; depression moves it down.

Circumduction is distal end of limb circles while rotation is when a bone spins on its long axis.

Side to side movement of mandible.

Inversion turns medially; eversion turns laterally.

Dorsiflexion elevates the foot; plantar flexion points the foot.

Temporomandibular joint: mandibular condyle with mandibular fossa of temporal bone, stabilized by lateral ligaments.

Supination: palm anterior; pronation: palm posterior (ulna/radius straight vs. ulna/radius cross).

Protraction: anterior movement; retraction: posterior movement.

Inflammation of joints, a common crippling disorder.

Most common form of arthritis, affecting 85% of people over 70, characterized by crepitus and wear and tear.

Autoimmune disease attacking the synovial membrane, potentially leading to ossification of degenerated cartilage and fused bones.

Glenohumeral joint with glenoid labrum and ligaments (Acromioclavicular, Coracohumeral, Coracoclavicular, Coracoacromial).

Humeroulnar & humeroradius articulate, radial /ulna collateral ligaments prevent side movement, onular ligament stabilizes radioulna joint.

Coxal joint (acetabular labrum, round ligament), supported by ligaments (Ishciofemoral, Iliofemoral, Pubofemoral, Round ligaments).

Femorotibial joint (hinge), lateral/medial menisci, supported by ligaments (fibular/ tibial collateral, anterior/posterior cruciate).

Talocrural joint with tibiofibular ligaments, medial midpart ligament, lateral midpart ligament, calcaneal tendon.