Syllabus
• Definitions and examples of fibrous, cartilaginous and synovial joints
• The typical structure and features of a synovial joint
• The type of join and the bones which articulate at the following joints:– Shoulder, elbow, radio-ulnar, wrist, hip, knee,
ankle, spine
Joint Classification • Structural classification is based on anatomical characteristics.
• Fibrous: no synovial cavity and bones are held together by fibrous connective tissue.
• Cartilaginous: no synovial cavity and the bones are held together by cartilage.
• Synovial: bones forming the joint have a synovial cavity. Held together by the articular capsule and often by accessory ligaments.
Cartilaginous Joint
Types
• (Synchondroses) – temporary joints present in children – E.g. epiphyseal plates in long bones
• (Sympheses) – permanent cartilaginous joints– E.g. vertebral column
Synovial Joints
• There are 6 types
• These are categorized according to range of movement possible
• Movement determined by:– Shape of articulating surfaces– Position of ligaments – Number of ligaments
Synovial Joint Features
• Common features include
– A joint (articular) capsule: unites the articulating bones.
– A joint cavity. – A synovial membrane: secretes synovial fluid to
reduce friction/absorb shock, supply nutrients.– Articular (hyaline) cartilage.
Some Synovial Joints Also Have…
• Bursae– Small sacs of synovial fluid located at points of
friction• Menisci– Discs of cartilage between bone surfaces
• Pads of fat– Added protection
Ball and Socket Joint
• Multiaxial • Movement in all 3 planes
• Flexion/Extension• Abduction/Adduction• Circumduction • Rotation
Hinge Joint
• Uniaxial
• Only permits flexion and extension
• Examples are the knee, elbow and ankle
Pivot Joints
• Uniaxial
• It allows rotation only around its own longitudinal axis
• Example is the atlanto-axial joint
Planar Joints
• Nonaxial
• The motion they allow does not occur around an axis or along a plane
• Examples are intercarpal joints, intertarsal joints etc
Saddle Joints
• Biaxial
• Flexion/Extension• Abduction/Adduction• Circumduction
• Example is the carpometacarpal joint