Joints - Anatomy & Physiology
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BACK TO MUSCULOSKELETAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Joints comprise broadly two categories:
- Synarthroses form joints that are relatively rigid
- Diarthroses form joints that are freely movable
Fibrous Joints
- Most occur in the skull: known as sutures
- Key in development: allow extension of individual bones during growth
- Gradually eliminated as ossification progresses
- Syndesmoses: facing areas of two bones joined by connective tissue ligaments, very limited movement allowed
- Eg. Joints of the metacarpus in the horse
- Gomphosis: attachment of tooth to bone within its socket
Cartilaginous Joints
- Synchondroses: eg. joints between epiphyses and diaphyses of juvenile long bones, disappear on maturity
- Permanent synchondroses: the joint between the skull and hyoid
- Symphysis: articulating bones are divided by a succession of tissues, with cartilage covering the bones or the tissue between
- Eg. mandibular, pelvic, vertebral
Synovial Joints
- Articulating joints are separated by a fluid-filled joint cavity, which is bounded by a synovial membrane
- Often the synovial membrane is reinforced by a fibrous capsule and ligaments restricting joint movement
- Cartilage covers the articular surfaces
- Usually, this is Hyaline, although Fibrocartilage or fibrous tissue can substitute
Joint Pathology
For links to joint pathology, go here