Joints of the Skeletal System

• Articulations• Junctions between bones• Bind parts of skeletal system together• Make bone growth possible• Permit parts of the skeleton to change shape during childbirth• Enable body to move in response to skeletal muscle contraction

8-2

Classification of Joints

• Fibrous Joints• dense connective tissues connect

bones• between bones in close contact• ex: tibia/fibula, skull

• Cartilaginous Joints• hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage

connect bones• ex: epiphysis/diaphysis, pelvis

• Synovial Joints• most complex• allow free movement• ex: knee, shoulder, hip

Also…• synarthrotic

• immovable• amphiarthrotic

• slightly movable• diarthrotic

• freely movable

8-3

Synovial Joints

• diarthrotic• composed of: joint cavity,

synovial fluid, joint capsule and

synovial membrane

8-8

Types of Synovial Joints

Ball-and-Socket Joint• hip• shoulder

Condyloid Joint• between metacarpals and phalanges

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Types of Synovial Joints

Gliding Joint• between carpals• between tarsals

Hinge Joint• elbow• between phalanges

8-10

Types of Synovial Joints

Pivot Joint• between proximal ends of radius and ulna

Saddle Joint• between carpal and metacarpal of thumb

8-11

Shoulder Joint

• ball-and-socket• between humerus and scapula• ligaments prevent displacement• very wide range of movement

8-15

Shoulder Joint

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Elbow Joint

• hinge joint (between humerus and ulna)• gliding joint (between humerus and radius)• flexion and extension• many reinforcing ligaments• stable joint

8-17

Elbow Joint

8-18

Hip Joint

• ball-and-socket joint• between femur and coxa• heavy joint capsule• many reinforcing ligaments• less freedom of movement than shoulder joint

8-19

Hip Joint

8-20

Knee Joint• largest joint• most complex• between femur and tibia• femur articulates anteriorly with patella• modified hinge joint• flexion/extension/little rotation• strengthened by many ligaments and tendons• menisci separate femur and tibia

8-21

Knee Joint

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Clinical ApplicationJoint Disorders

Sprains• damage to cartilage, ligaments, or tendons associated with joints• forceful twisting of joint

Bursitis• inflammation of a bursa• overuse of a joint

Arthritis• inflamed, swollen, painful joints

• Rheumatoid Arthritis• Osteoarthritis• Gout 8-24