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# Skeletal Articulations (Joints) Joints are the points of connection between bones, enabling movement. They are classified by structure and function. ## Classification by Structure * **Fibrous Joints (Synarthroses):** Bones are joined tightly together by fibrous tissue. * **Syndesmoses:**...

# Skeletal Articulations (Joints) Joints are the points of connection between bones, enabling movement. They are classified by structure and function. ## Classification by Structure * **Fibrous Joints (Synarthroses):** Bones are joined tightly together by fibrous tissue. * **Syndesmoses:** Fibrous connective tissue connects bones, permitting limited movement (e.g., between radius and ulna). * **Sutures:** Interlocking fibrous joints in the skull (immovable). * **Gomphoses:** Specialized fibrous joint for teeth in their sockets (immovable). * **Cartilaginous Joints:** Bones are joined by cartilage, allowing limited movement. * **Synchondroses:** Hyaline cartilage connects bones, usually temporary (e.g., epiphyseal plates in growing bones). * **Symphyses:** Fibrocartilage connects bones, providing slight compressibility (e.g., intervertebral discs). * **Synovial Joints (Diarthroses):** Freely movable joints characterized by: * **Joint Capsule:** A sleeve of dense, irregular connective tissue surrounding the joint; also known as the fibrous capsule. * **Synovial Membrane:** A lining of loose connective tissue inside the capsule secreting synovial fluid for lubrication and nourishment. * **Synovial Fluid:** Lubricates and nourishes the articular surfaces within the joints. ## Classification by Function * **Synarthroses:** Immovable joints (e.g., sutures in the skull). * **Amphiarthroses:** Slightly movable joints (e.g., symphyses). * **Diarthroses:** Freely movable joints (e.g., synovial joints). The image also implies that joint movement is also important and describes that bones that move together can permit different degrees of movement.