Concepts of Human Anatomy & Physiology   5/e   Van De Graaff/Fox
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I. Classification of Joints

Concept: On the basis of anatomical structure, the articulations between the bones of the skeleton are classified as fibrous joints, cartilaginous joints, or synovial joints. Fibrous joints firmly joint bones with fibrous connective tissue. Cartilaginous joints firmly join bones with cartilage. Synovial joints are freely movable joints; they are enclosed by joint capsules that contain synovial fluid.

II. Fibrous Joints

Concept: As the name suggests, the articulating bones in fibrous joints are tightly bound by fibrous connective tissue. Fibrous joints range from rigid and relatively immovable joints to those that are slightly movable. The three kinds of fibrous joints are sutures, syndesmoses, and gomphoses.

III. Cartilaginous Joints

Concept: Cartilaginous joints allow limited movement in response to twisting or compression. The two types of cartilaginous joints are symphyses and synchondroses.

IV. Synovial Joints

Concept: The freely movable synovial joints are enclosed by joint capsules containing synovial fluid. Based on the shape of the articular surfaces and the kinds of motion they permit, synovial joints are categorized as gliding, hinge, pivot, condyloid, saddle, or ball-and-socket.

V. Development of Synovial Joints

VI. Movements at Synovial Joints

Concept: Movements at synovial joints are produced by the contraction of skeletal muscles that span the joints and attach to or near the bones forming the articulation. In these actions, the bones act as levers, the muscles provide the force, and the joints are the fulcra, or pivots.

VII. Specific Joints of the Body

Concept: Of the numerous joints in the body, some have special structural features that enable them to perform particular functions. These joints are also somewhat vulnerable to trauma and are therefore clinically important.

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