Structural Classification of Joints Flashcards

Synovial Joints

• Synovial Plane Joints: Allow gliding movements.

  • Intercarpal joint: Located between carpal bones at the wrist.
  • Intertarsal joint: Found between tarsal bones at the ankle.
  • Sternoclavicular joint: Connects the manubrium of the sternum with the clavicle.
  • Acromioclavicular joint: Joins the acromion of the scapula and the clavicle.
  • Sternocostal joint: Links the sternum with the costal cartilages of the second to seventh ribs.
  • Vertebrocostal joints: Formed between rib heads/tubercles and thoracic vertebrae.

• Synovial Modified Hinge Joint: Allows flexion and extension with slight rotational movement.

  • Knee joint: Complex joint allowing for both bending and a degree of rotation.

• Synovial Hinge Joints: Permit movement in one plane (flexion and extension).

  • Elbow joint: Classic hinge joint connecting the humerus with the radius and ulna.
  • Ankle joint: Allows for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion movements.
  • Interphalangeal joints: Joints between finger and toe phalanges.

• Synovial Pivot Joints: Permit rotational movement around a single axis.

  • Atlanto-axial joint: Allows head rotation, essential for "no" movement.
  • Radioulnar joint: Enables rotation from palm facing down (pronation) to up (supination).

• Synovial Condyloid Joints: Allow movement but restrict rotation.

  • Radiocarpal joint: Connects the radius and carpal bones allowing wrist movements.
  • Metacarpophalangeal joints II-V: Joints between metacarpals and proximal phalanges.

• Synovial Saddle Joint: Allows for movement in two planes.

  • Carpometacarpal joint: Between the trapezium bone and metacarpal I, critical for thumb mobility.

• Synovial Ball-and-Socket Joints: Enable a wide range of motion including rotational.

  • Shoulder joint: Humeral head fits into the glenoid cavity of the scapula.
  • Hip joint: Femoral head fits into the acetabulum of the pelvis, supporting weight and facilitating a range of movements.

Fibrous Joints

• Fibrous Sutures: Immovable joints united by connective tissue.

  • Coronal suture: The fibrous joint between the frontal and parietal bones of the skull.

• Fibrous Syndesmosis: Slightly movable joints where bones are connected by ligaments.

  • Distal tibiofibular joint: Connects the tibia and fibula near the ankle, allowing limited movement.

• Fibrous Interosseous Membrane: A type of syndesmosis.

  • Found between the tibia and fibula, providing stability and support.

Cartilaginous Joints

• Cartilaginous Synchondrosis: Joints where bones are joined by hyaline cartilage.

  • Epiphyseal plate: Found between the diaphysis and epiphysis of long bones, crucial for growth during development.

• Cartilaginous Symphysis: Joints where fibrocartilage is present.

  • Pubic symphysis: Located between the pubic bones, allows slight movement.
  • Intervertebral joints: Connect the vertebrae with fibrocartilage, aiding shock absorption and flexibility.