Articulation
A point of contact between 2 or more bones, between bone and cartilage, or between teeth and bone
Synovial Cavity
The space or joint cavity filled with synovial fluid and found between articulating bones
Fibrous Joint
Structural classification of a joint that has no synovial cavity, and the bones are held together by fibrous connective tissue
Cartilaginous Joint
Structural classification of a joint that has no synovial cavity and the bones are held toegether by cartilage
Synovial Joint
A joint that has a synovial cavity and the articulating bones are united by an articular capsule and accessory ligaments
Synarthrosis
A functional classification for an immovable joint
Amphiarthrosis
A functional classification for a semi-movable joint
Diarthrosis
A functional classification for a freely movable joint (ALL diarthoses are synovial joints!)
Suture
A synarthrosis joint that is found between the bones of a skull
Gomphosis
A synarthrosis joint that is found between the teeth and bone
Synchondrosis
A synarthrosis joint that has hyaline cartilage as the connecting material (such as the growth plate of the bone)
Syndesmosis
An amphiarthrosis joint that has more fibrous tissue than a suture, but not as good as a fit as a suture
Symphysis
An amphiarthrosis joint that is fitted with a piece of broad, flat fibrocartilage
Articular Cartilage
The hyaline cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the joint
Articular Capsule
The capsule that surrounds the entire joint and synovial cavity and unites the bones
Fibrous Capsule
The outer layer of the articular capsule upon which the ligaments of the joint connects; it is made of dense irregular connective tissue
Synovial Membrane
The inner layer of the articular capsule made of areolar connective tissue that secretes synovial fluid
Synovial Fluid
Fluid that fills the synovial cavity and provide lubrication and nutrients for the joint
Bursae
Sac-like structures found in a joint that help to absorb shock and reduce friction
Gliding Joint - Description
A diarthrosis joint that has a flat articulating surface which provides a back & forth and side to side motion
Gliding Joint - Examples
Carpals, Tarsals, Sternum & clavicle
Hinge Joint - Description
A diarthrosis joint that has a convex surface of one bone that fits into a concave surface of a second bone, allowing for flexion and extension
Hinge Joint - Examples
Elbow, knee, fingers, toes
Pivot Joint - Description
A diarthrosis joint that has a rounded/pointed surface of a bone that articulates witha ring formed by either bones or ligaments, producing a rotational movement
Pivot Joint - Examples
Atlas & axis of the neck; Proximal end of the radius & ulna
Condyloid Joint - Description
A diarthosis joint that has an oval-shaped surface that fits into a depression of a 2nd bone
Condyloid Joint - Example
The Radius with the Scaphoid & Lunate or the Tibia with the Talus
Saddle Joint - Description
A diarthrosis joint that has an articular surface where one surface has the shape of a saddle, and the other has the shape of the legs of a horseback rider; it produces a side-to-side and back & forth movement
Saddle Joint - Example
Trapezium & 1st Metacarpal
Ball & Socket Joint - Description
A diarthrosis joint that has a ball-like surface on one bone which fits into a cup-like depression on a 2nd bone
Ball & Socket Joint - Examples
Shoulder, Hip