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Anatomy and Physiology - Articulations

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    Study Guide Anatomy and Physiology – Articulations 1. Classifying Joints The human body can perform amazing movements — like dancing, running, and playing sports — because of joints . Joints make the skeleton movable , not stiff like a statue. At the same time, joints also help with: • stability • support • protection A very important idea to remember is: More mobility usually means less stability. For example: • Skull sutures (between cranial bones) are almost immovable, but they are very stable and protect the brain well. • The shoulder joint (a ball - and - socket joint) allows many movements, but it is less stable, which is why shoulder injuries are common. What is a Joint? A joint (also called an articulation ) is any place where two bones meet . Joints are classified in two ways : 1. Structural classification 2. Functional classification

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    Study Guide 1.1 Structural Classification of Joints Structural classification depends on: • what material holds the bones together • whether a joint cavity is present or not

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    Study Guide 1. Fibrous Joints Fibrous joints are held together by fibrous connective tissue . Key points: • No joint cavity • movement is usually none or slight • these joints may be immovable or slightly movable 2. Cartilaginous Joints Cartilaginous joints are held together by cartilage . Cartilage can be: • hyaline cartilage • fibrocartilage Key points: • No joint cavity • joints may be immovable or slightly movable 3. Synovial Joints Synovial joints are the most common joints in the body. Key point: • They have a synovial cavity (joint cavity) filled with synovial fluid Because of this structure: • Synovial joints are freely movable • Most body joints are synovial joints There are three structural types :

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    Study Guide Figure 1.A synovial joint. 1.2 Main Features of a Synovial Joint Synovial joints contain several important parts: 1. Articular Cartilage • made of hyaline cartilage • covers the ends of the bones It reduces friction and helps smooth movement. 2. Synovial Membrane • surrounds the synovial cavity • made of areolar connective tissue It produces synovial fluid , which lubricates the joint. 3. Fibrous Capsule This is the strong outer layer around the joint. It often contains dense irregular connective tissue bundles called ligaments , which: • strengthen the joint • allow flexibility while still giving support

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    Study Guide 4. Articular Capsule The articular capsule is made of: • the synovial membrane • the fibrous capsule 5. Accessory Ligaments Accessory ligaments can be located: • outside the articular capsule ( extracapsular ligaments ) or • inside the synovial cavity ( intracapsular ligaments ) 1.3 Functional Classification of Joints Functional classification is based on how much movement a joint allows. There are three functional types : 1. Synarthrosis Allows no movement • structurally, it may be fibrous or cartilaginous 2. Amphiarthrosis Allows slight movement • structurally, it may be fibrous or cartilaginous

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