1. THE SKELETAL
SYSTEM: JOINTS
MSS10 Anatomy & Physiology

2. Overview:
 Defining Joints
 Structural and Functional Classifications
 The Importance of Synovial Joints
 Synovial Joint Structure
 Movement Classification

3. What is a Joint?
 Where 2 or more bones meet an articulation or
joint exists. Movement doesn’t always occur at
these sites however.
 Joints are typically classified according to the
degree of movement permitted.

4. Structural Classification of
Joints
Based on 2 criteria:
1. The presents or absence of a synovial cavity
2. The type of connective tissue that binds the
bones
Structurally, joints are classified as either:
 Fibrous (Synarthrosis) - Immovable
 Cartilaginous (Amphiarthrosis) – Slightly
movable
 Synovial (Diarthrosis) – Freely movable
An example of each?

5. Fibrous Joints
 Lack a synovial cavity, bones held closely together by
connective tissue
 There is little or no movement
 The most common type is suture - thin layer of dense
fibrous connective tissue unites bones of the skull
 Another type is teeth in sockets of alveolar processes

6. Cartilaginous Joints
 Lack a synovial cavity; allows very little movement
 Bones tightly connected by fibrocartilage
 The best examples are intervertebral discs and pubic
symphysis

7. Synovial Joints
 Synovial cavity separates
articulating bones
Bones covered by articular (hyaline)
cartilage
- reduce friction
- works as a shock absorber
Articular capsule surrounds joint
- fibrous bundles (ligaments)
mechanically hold bones close
and provide stability
Synovial membrane: inner layer of
articular capsule
- secretes viscous synovial fluid
- brings nutrients to articular
cartilage

8. Types of Synovial Joint
 HINGE
 PIVOT
 BALL AND SOCKET
 SADDLE
 CONDYLOID
 GLIDING
 These are complex joints which enable a wide
range of movement-

9. Synovial Joint: Movement
Types
 Specific terminology is used to designate the
movement of the human body –
• Flexion/extension/hyperextension (lateral
flexion)
• Abduction/adduction
• Circumduction
• Rotation (lateral & medial of arms & legs)
• Dorsiflexion and plantar flexion
• Supination/pronation

10. Quiz!
 What is a joint?
 What are the 3 types of structural
classification?
 What do fibrous and cartilaginous joints lack?
 Ligaments are a component of the ______
capsule.
 Name the 6 types of synovial joint?
 In kayaking, what movement types would you
see when paddling?

11. Further reading:
 Calais-Germain, B. (1993) Anatomy of Movement,
Eastland Press,. ISBN 0-939616-17-3
 Drake, R. Vogl, W. Mitchell, A. (2004) Gray’s Anatomy
for Students, Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 0-443-
06612-4
 Martini, F. Timmons, M. McKinnley, M. (2000) Human
Anatomy, 3rd Edition, Prentice-Hall. ISBN 0-13-
010011-0
 Marieb, E. (2000) Essentials of Human Anatomy and
Physiology, 6th Edition. Addison Wesley Longman.
ISBN 0-8053-4940-5
 Muscolino, E. (2005) The Muscular System Manual:
The Skeletal Muscles of the Human Body, 2nd
Edition, C.V. Mosby. ISBN 0-323-02523-4