Types of Joints Examples

▪️Planar joint
-acromioclavicular
-sternoclavicular
-intercarpal
-Intertarsal
-vertebrocostal
-sacro iliac

▪️Hinge Joint
-elbow
-knee
-ankle
-interphalangeal

▪️Pivot Joint
-atlas/axis
-proximal radio-ulnar

▪️Ellipsoid Joint
-radiocarpal
-metacarpophalangeal
-metatarsophalangeal

▪️Saddle Joint
-first carpometacarpal

▪️Ball and Socket Joint

-shoulder joints
-hip joints

Questions for Research

1. Give specific examples for each of the types of joints studied earlier in this exercise. Tabulate your answer.

2. Describe the functions of the synovial fluid.

Synovial fluid is a viscous solution found in the cavities of synovial joints. The principal role of synovial fluid is to
reduce friction between the articular cartilages of synovial joints during movement. The presence of high molar mass
hyaluronan (HA) in this fluid gives it the required viscosity for its function as lubricant solution. Inflammation oxidation
stress enhances normal degradation of hyaluronan causing several diseases related to joints.
The work of synovial fluids is always to lubricate the important joints also to represent a way for vitamins and
minerals to sustain the cartilage. The tissues that uphold the cartilage never have blood flow, senses or lymphatic tubes
hooked up to them, so the synovial fluid is the merely way they may be supplied.

3. Describe the function of the ligaments surrounding the joints.

Ligaments are bundles of fibrous connective tissue that connect one bone to an adjacent bone. Collagen fibers are
the basic building blocks of the ligament. These fibers are very strong, flexible and resistant to pulling or compressing
stress damage. The ligaments of knee joint form a chain link between the femur and the tibia. As in a chain, the individual
links can move freely, but they must remain in sequence and can not move apart. This allows the joint to move while
preventing it from dislocating. Their function is to provide support for the joint at the end of its range of motion and keep
it stable. These ligaments are important for maintaining the stability of the joint while it is in motion.

4. What is the function of articular discs?

Articular cartilage has key roles in the function of joints. A major function is to take up and distribute load such that a
given point of the underlying bone can handle very high strain. Another role of cartilage is to provide low-friction
movement. One key feature of joint diseases is deterioration of joint function, which results from progressive damage to
articular cartilage by degradation of the structural components important for properties of the tissue. Progressive joint
destruction may eventually lead to total loss of the cartilage accompanied by alterations in underlying bone in the
common disease of osteoarthritis.

References:

Dick Heinegård, ... Tore Saxne, in Rheumatology (Sixth Edition), 2015

Villa-Forte, A., By, Villa-Forte, A., & Last full review/revision Dec 2019| Content last modified Dec 2019. (n.d.).
Ligaments - Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/bone,-joint,-and-
muscle-disorders/biology-of-the-musculoskeletal-system/ligaments

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3967437/