JOINT STRUCTURE

3 MAJOR TYPES OF JOINTS IN THE BODY

1. FIBROUS JOINTS (SYNARTHROSES)
2. CARTILAGINOUS JOINTS (AMPHIARTHROSES)
3. SYNOVIAL JOINTS (DIARTHROSES)

This course primarily concerns SYNOVIAL JOINTS, joints that permit relatively free movement between body segments.

• features of synovial joints

• Functional and structural classification of synovial joints

• Naming conventions for synovial joints

---

Classification of joints

1. FIBROUS JOINTS (SYNARTHROSES)
   1. SUTURES
   2. SYNDESMOSES
   3. GOMPHOSES

2. CARTILAGINOUS JOINTS (AMPHIARTHROSES)
   1. SYNCHONDROSES (Hyaline cartilage)
   2. SYMPHYSES (Fibrocartilage)

3. SYNOVIAL JOINTS (DIARTHROSES)
   1. UNIAXIAL
      • GINGLYMUS (Hinge)
      • TROCHOID (Pivot)
   2. BIAXIAL
      • CONDYLOID
      • SADDLE
   3. TRIAXIAL
      • BALL AND SOCKET
      • PLANAR*

---

Features of synovial joints

two bones whose articular surfaces are covered with hyaline cartilage. joint space enclosed by a fibrous capsule. Thickened and organized areas of this capsule comprise the named ligaments. synovial membrane lining the joint space. This membrane secretes synovial fluid, which fills the joint space and which provides lubrication and nourishment to the articular cartilage. position(s) in the joint's range of motion where the joint space's volume is at a minimum, and the joint is "close-packed." figure from Incredible Horizons (2000). "Get those joints jumping." [Online]. Available: http://www.incrediblehorizons.com/arthritis.htm.

---

How are synovial joints named?

in the axial (vertebral) skeleton	in the appendicular skeleton
	UE	LE
capital cervical thoracic lumbar	shoulder elbow radio-unlar wrist mp pip dip	hip knee ankle subtalar midtarsal mp pip dip

---

Last updated 12-5-2005 ©Dave Thompson PT
return to PHTH/OCTH 7143 lecture schedule