ANTM 111: JOINTS

 Definition
- The point where two or more bones meet is called a joint.
- The other name of joints is arthroses.

 Functions
- Give the skeleton mobility.
- Hold the skeleton together.

 Classification of Bones
1) On the basis of structure
2) On the basis of function
3) On the basis of movement

1) Classification on the basis of STRUCTURE:

I. Solid joints: the joints without a cavity .

1. Fibrous joints: the bones are held together by fibrous connective tissue that is rich in collagen
fibers. No synovial cavity

a. Sutures
- Skull only
- Bony fusion
- Bound by dense fibrous connective tissue
 - TYPES:
- Serrate edges are saw-like
- Denticulate: tooth like processes
- Squamous suture: bone margins overlap
- Plane suture: apposition of flat surfaces

b. Gomphosis
– Teeth to gums
– Peg and socket joint

c. Syndesmoses
– bones connected by ligaments

2. Cartilaginous: The bones that are held together by cartilage.

a. Synchondroses/primary cartilaginous joints

- On completion of growth hyaline cartilage is replaced by bone
e.g epiphyseal cartilage of long bones
between vertebrosternal ribs and sternum

b. Symphyses/ secondary cartilaginous joints

– bones separated by fibro cartilage
– Mostly permanent
e.g.
– pubic symphysis
– Intervertebral discs
– Some joints e.g. between sacrum and coccyx undergo partial or complete synostosis

II. Synovial joints: the joints with a cavity between them.

- more movement
- within articular capsules
- lined with synovial membrane ( where synovial fluid is found )
 - TYPES:

• Plane joints :the articulating surfaces are flat or slightly curved.

e.g are intercarpal joints, intertarsal joints, sternoclavicular joints,
acromioclavicular joints, sternocostal joints, vertebrocostal joints.etc.
• Hinge Joints-the convex surface of one fits into the concave surface of
another.
e.g. elbow joint, ankle joint, interphalangeal joints,etc.
• Pivot Joints-here the rounded or pointed surface of one bone articulates with
a ring formed partly by another bone and partly by a ligament.
• Condyloid Joints-also called ellipsoidal joint. The convex oval-shaped
projection of one fits into the oval-shaped depression of another
e.g metacarpophalangeal joints.
e.g atlanto-axial joint, radioulnar joint etc.
• Saddle Joints-here the articular surface of one bone is saddle-shaped and the
articular surface of the other fits into the “saddle”.
e.g. Carpometacarpal joint.
• Ball-and-Socket Joints- this consists of the ball-like surface of one bone fitting
into a cuplike depression of another bone
e.g Shoulder and hip joints.

- Accessory structures of synovial joint :

• Articular/Hyaline Cartilage
Smooth cartilage at the end of bones at joint
• Two-Layered Joint Capsule
Outer Layer – Tough fibrous capsule
Inner Layer – Synovial Membrane
• Synovial Fluid
Slippery fluid in joint capsule
• Ligament
A band of strong fibrous tissue
• Tendons–
Strong connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone.
Connect muscle to muscle.
• Bursa
Fluid filled sacs
Cushion the joint and act as shock absorbers
• Meniscus
White fibrocartilage
Improves the fit between bone ends
Increases joint stability
Reduces wear and tear at joint

2) Classification on the basis of FUNCTION:

• Functionally, joints are classified as one of the following:

a. Synarthrosis: an immovable joint.
b. Amphiarthrosis: a slightly movable joint. Most amphiarthrosis joints are cartilaginous.
c. Diarthrosis: a freely movable joint. All diarthroses are synovial joints.

3) Classification on the basis of MOVEMENT:

• Uniaxial joints e.g. the elbow joint

• Biaxial joints e.g. the wrist joint
• Multiaxial joints: e.g. shoulder joint

• Innervation: Joints transmit a sensation called proprioception

• Trauma to a joint may be followed by arthritis ,inflammation of joint and septicemia
• osteoarthritis, which is often accompanied by stiffness, discomfort and pain.
• Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic inflammatory disorder
- Marked by flare-ups
- Autoimmune disease