Homework 6 – Joints (Chapter 8)

Answer the following questions. Responses do not need to be in full sentences as long as they
answer the question completely. Additionally, you may use figures, diagrams, tables, etc. if you
would like.

Chapter 8

1. Describe the general trends in the range of motion of particular articulations in relation to the
strength of a particular joint. Which joint is the most moveable joint in the body (you may
have to look to a later spot in the presentation to find the answer for this)? Would you
classify this joint as being rather strong, or a weak (easily injured) joint?

The higher the range of motion, the weaker the strength of the particular joint. Less range of
motion, the stronger the particular joint.

The synovial joint is the most moveable joint; hence it is the weakest since the higher the range
of motion, the weaker the strength of the joint.

2. Describe the two methods for classifying (categorizing) articulations.

Arthrology: the science of joint structure, function, and dysfunction.

Kinesiology: the study of musculoskeletal movements.

Joints are classified according to the manner in which the adjacent bones are bound to each
other, with differences in how freely the bones can move.
3. Do all of the following for each of the four structural classes of joints:
1) give a basic description of the class of joints,
2) name any subclasses of this joint type and list a specific joint in the body for each
3) describe whether these joints are relatively strong or weak, and
4) describe whether these types of joints are relatively moveable or immovable.

a. Bony joints: an immovable joint formed when the gap between two bones
ossifies, and the bones become in effect a single bone, strong
- Frontal and mandibular bones in infants
- cranial sutures in elderly
- can occur in either fibrous or cartilaginous joint

b. Fibrous joints: a point at which adjacent bones are bound by collagen fibers
that emerge from one bone, cross the space between them, and penetrate into the other,
they are immovable and strong.
- three kinds of fibrous joints are sutures, gomphosis, and syndesmoses

c. Cartilaginous joints: Two bones are linked by cartilage.

- allows more movement than fibrous joints but less movement than synovial
joints ; they are strong
- two types are synchondroses, symphyses

d. Synovial joints: a joint in which two bones are separated by space and called a
joint cavity, the most familiar type of joint
- they are movable and weak
4. List several functions of synovial fluid.
 Lubrication
  Nutrient distribution
 Shock absorption

5. Give a brief description of each of the following structures pertaining to synovial joints. Be
sure to describe the function of each of the components that make up a synovial joint.
a. Joint capsule (including the synovial membrane): consists of an inner synovial
membrane and outer fibrous capsule.
b. Articular cartilages: Layer of hyaline cartilage that covers the facing surface of two
bones – usually 2 or 3mm thick
c. Menisci: incomplete discs of fibrocartilage found in the knee to absorb shock and
pressure.
d. Ligaments: Dense regular connective tissue that connects bones and reinforces
synovial joints.
e. Tendons: A strip or sheet of tough collagenous connective tissue that attaches muscle
to bone most important in stabilizing a joint.
f. Bursae: fibrous connective tissue capsule lined with synovial membrane which acts as
ball bearings reducing friction between ligaments tendons, muscles, and bone.
g. Tendon Sheaths: Elongated bursae wrapped around tendons like a bun around a hot
dog.

6. Describe the composition and function of a synovial membrane.

Composed mainly of fibroblast-like cells that secret the fluid and is populated by macrophages
that remove debris from the joint cavity.

7. Do the following for each of the following functional types of synovial joints
1) describe the structure of the joint
2) mention whether it is monaxial, biaxial, or triaxial,
3) give a specific example of that joint type in the body, and
 4) list some movements allowed by the type of joint.
a. Plane (gliding) joints: flat articular surfaces in which bones slide over each
other with relatively limited movement.
~ usually biaxial joint
~ carpal bones
~ one joint move only slightly, the combined action allows for considerable
movement
b. Hinge joints: one bone with a convex surface that fits into a concave depression
on the other bone.
~ monoaxial joint
~ elbow joint
~ Move freely on one plane.
c. Pivot joints: one bone has a projection that has held in place by a ringlike
ligament.
~monoaxial joint
~ atlantoaxial joint
d. Condylar joints: oval convex surface on one bone fits into a complementary-
shaped depression on the other
~ biaxial joints
~ radiocarpal joint on the wrist
e. Saddle joints: both bones have an articular surface that is shaped like a saddle,
concave in one direction and convex in the other.
~ biaxial joint
~ trapeziometacarpal joint
f. Ball and socket joints: smooth hemispherical head fits within a cuplike socket
~ multiaxial joints
~ shoulder joint

8. Give a brief description of each of the following types of movements allowed by synovial
joints:
 a. Abduction/adduction: movement of a body part in the frontal plane away from
the mid-line of the body.
b. Flexion/extension: a movement that decreases joint angle-common in the hinge
joints.
c. Rotation: movement in which a bone spins on its longitudinal axis
d. Pronation/supination: forearm movement that turns palm to face posteriorly or
downward.
e. Circumduction: one end of an appendage remains stationary while the other end
makes a circular motion.
f. Opposition: motion created by several muscles.

9. Give a brief description for at least any four of each of the following joint disorders, and if
possible, a cause of the disorder:
a. Sprain: a stretched or torn ligament
b. Dislocation: the joint is forced out of normal position.
c. Bursitis: inflammation of the bursae
d. Torn meniscus: A common injury in which forceful twisting/ rotation causes
certain tissue(s) in the knee to tear.
e. Tendinitis: Inflammation of a tendon
f. Osteoarthritis: Most common wear and tear arthritis- results from years of joint
wear.
g. Rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune disease that attacks the joint tissue
h. Gouty arthritis: A hereditary disease, caused by accumulation of uric acid
crystals in joint capsules
i. Infectious arthritis: is caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi

10. Approximately how many skeletal muscles have been identified in the human body?
Approximately 650 skeletal muscles have been identified in the human body.