Joints

JOINTS
1. Definition:
• Joints are points in the body where two or more bones meet.
• They allow movement and provide mechanical support to the skeleton.
2. Types of Joints:
•Joints can be classified into different types based on various criteria:
A. Structural Classification
B. Based on Degree of Movement
A. Structural Classification:
1. Fibrous Joints:
• These joints are held together by fibrous connective tissue, allowing little to no
movement.
• Examples include sutures in the skull.
2. Cartilaginous Joints:
• Connected by cartilage, allowing limited movement.
• Examples include intervertebral discs.
3. Synovial Joints:
• Characterized by a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid, allowing free movement.
• Examples include the knee and shoulder joints.
B. Based on Degree of Movement:
1. Immovable (Synarthrosis):
• Joints with no movement,
• found in fibrous joints like sutures.

2. Slightly movable (Amphiarthrosis):
• Joints with limited movement,
• found in cartilaginous joints like intervertebral discs.
3. Freely movable (Diarthrosis):
• Joints with a wide range of movement,
• typical of synovial joints like the knee and shoulder.
3. Structure of Synovial Joints:
• Articular Capsule: Surrounds the joint, composed of fibrous connective tissue.
• Synovial Membrane: Lines the inner surface of the capsule, secretes synovial fluid.
• Articular Cartilage: Covers the ends of bones, reducing friction and allowing smooth
movement.
• Ligaments: Connect bones and provide stability to the joint.
4. Types of Synovial Joints:
• Based on Shape of Articular Surfaces, synovial joints are classified into:
i) Hinge Joints
ii) Ball and Socket Joints
iii) Pivot joints
iv) Gliding
v) Saddle
vi) Condyloid
i) Hinge Joints:
•Formed by the convex surface of one bone fitting into the concave surface of another.
•Allows movement in only one plane (like a door hinge).
• (e.g., elbow joint).
ii) Ball and Socket Joints:

• Characterized by a rounded, ball-like end of one bone fitting into a cup-like depression
of another,
• Allows a wide range of motion in multiple directions
• (e.g., hip joint).
iii) Pivot Joints:
• Consist of a cylindrical surface of one bone rotating within a ring formed by another
bone and a ligament,
• Allows rotational movement
• (e.g., atlantoaxial joint).
iv) Gliding Joints:
• Articular surfaces are nearly flat or slightly curved,
• Allows sliding or gliding movements
• (e.g., carpometacarpal joints of the hand).
v) Saddle Joints:
• Formed by the concave and convex surfaces of two bones,
• Allows movement in two directions
• (eg., carpometacarpal joint of the thumb).
vi)Condyloid Joints:
• Oval-shaped condyle of one bone fits into an elliptical cavity of another bone,
• Similar to a saddle joint but with less movement.
• Allows movement in two directions
• (e.g., wrist joint).
5. Functions of Joints:
• Facilitate movement: Joints allow bones to move relative to each other, enabling activities
like walking, running, and bending.
• Provide support: Joints support the body's weight and help maintain posture.
• Shock absorption: Joints cushion the impact of physical activities, reducing stress on bones
and other tissues.
• Synovial fluid nourishment: Synovial fluid lubricates and nourishes the joint, promoting
smooth movement and preventing friction-related damage.
6. Factors Affecting Stability of Joints:
• The stability of joints is maintained by various factors:
1. Articular Surfaces:
• The shape and fit of the bones forming the joint contribute to stability.
• For example, the ball-and-socket structure of the hip joint provides stability through a wide
range of motion.
2. Ligaments:
• Strong fibrous bands of connective tissue that connect bones to each other, providing
stability and limiting excessive movement.
• Ligaments help prevent dislocation and maintain the integrity of the joint.
3. Muscles and Tendons:
• Surrounding muscles and tendons provide dynamic support to joints by contracting and
relaxing to stabilize and control movement.
• Muscles act as dynamic stabilizers during movement, while tendons attach muscles to
bones, enhancing joint stability.
4. Joint Capsule:
• A fibrous capsule surrounding synovial joints, reinforced by ligaments, provides additional

stability.
• It encloses the joint cavity and helps maintain the position of the bones within the joint.
5. Synovial Fluid:
• Lubricates and nourishes the joint surfaces, reducing friction and providing cushioning
during movement.
• This fluid-filled space within synovial joints contributes to joint stability by maintaining
proper joint alignment and reducing wear and tear.
6. Bony Congruence:
• The precise alignment of bones within a joint enhances stability.
• Proper bony congruence ensures that the surfaces of the bones fit together smoothly,
minimizing the risk of dislocation or instability.
7. Proprioception:
• Sensory feedback from receptors in and around the joint provides information about joint
position and movement, allowing for proprioceptive control.
• This feedback helps in maintaining joint stability by coordinating muscle activity and
adjusting joint position in response to changes in the environment.
8. Joint Capsular Tension:
• The tension in the joint capsule contributes to joint stability by maintaining appropriate
pressure within the joint cavity.
• This tension helps hold the bones together and prevents excessive movement.
These factors work together to maintain the stability of joints, ensuring optimal function and
preventing injury during various activities.

Joints

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JOINTS

• They allow movement and provide mechanical support to the skeleton.

•Joints can be classified into different types based on various criteria:

B. Based on Degree of Movement

• Examples include sutures in the skull.

• Connected by cartilage, allowing limited movement.

• Examples include intervertebral discs.

• Examples include the knee and shoulder joints.

B. Based on Degree of Movement:

• Joints with no movement,

• found in fibrous joints like sutures.

• Joints with limited movement,

• found in cartilaginous joints like intervertebral discs.

3. Freely movable (Diarthrosis):

• Joints with a wide range of movement,

• typical of synovial joints like the knee and shoulder.

3. Structure of Synovial Joints:

• Articular Capsule: Surrounds the joint, composed of fibrous connective tissue.

• Ligaments: Connect bones and provide stability to the joint.

4. Types of Synovial Joints:

• Based on Shape of Articular Surfaces, synovial joints are classified into:

ii) Ball and Socket Joints

iii) Pivot joints

•Allows movement in only one plane (like a door hinge).

• (e.g., elbow joint).

ii) Ball and Socket Joints:

• Allows a wide range of motion in multiple directions

• (e.g., hip joint).

iii) Pivot Joints:

• Allows rotational movement

• (e.g., atlantoaxial joint).

iv) Gliding Joints:

• Articular surfaces are nearly flat or slightly curved,

• Allows sliding or gliding movements

• (e.g., carpometacarpal joints of the hand).

• Formed by the concave and convex surfaces of two bones,

• Allows movement in two directions

• (eg., carpometacarpal joint of the thumb).

• Similar to a saddle joint but with less movement.

• Allows movement in two directions

• (e.g., wrist joint).

6. Factors Affecting Stability of Joints:

• The stability of joints is maintained by various factors:

3. Muscles and Tendons:

• A fibrous capsule surrounding synovial joints, reinforced by ligaments, provides additional

• The precise alignment of bones within a joint enhances stability.

8. Joint Capsular Tension:

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