Synovial Joints Decoded: From Cartilage to Cavity and Beyond

Match the key terms to the appropriate descriptions. Key: (a) fibrous joints (b) cartilaginous joints (c) synovial joints ____ (1) exhibit a joint cavity ____ (2) types are sutures and syndesmoses ____ (3) bones connected by collagen fibers ____ (4) types include synchondroses and symphyses ____ (5) all are diarthrotic ____ (6) many are amphiarthrotic ____ (7) bones connected by a disc of hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage ____ (8) nearly all are synarthrotic ____ (9) shoulder, hip, jaw, and elbow joints

Freely movable joints are (a) synarthroses, (b) diarthroses, (c) amphiarthroses.

Anatomical characteristics shared by all synovial joints include all except (a) articular cartilage, (b) a joint cavity, (c) an articular capsule, (d) presence of fibrocartilage.

Factors that influence the stability of a synovial joint include (a) shape of articular surfaces, (b) presence of strong reinforcing ligaments, (c) tone of surrounding muscles, (d) all of these.

The description Articular surfaces deep and secure; capsule heavily reinforced by ligaments and muscle tendons; extremely stable joint best describes (a) the elbow joint, (b) the hip joint, (c) the knee joint, (d) the shoulder joint.

Ankylosis means (a) twisting of the ankle, (b) tearing of ligaments, (c) displacement of a bone, (d) immobility of a joint due to fusion of its articular surfaces.

An autoimmune disorder in which joints are affected bilaterally and which involves pannus formation and gradual joint immobilization is (a) bursitis, (b) gout, (c) osteoarthritis, (d) rheumatoid arthritis.

Define joint.

Discuss the relative value (to body homeostasis) of immovable, slightly movable, and freely movable joints.

Compare the structure, function, and common body locations of bursae and tendon sheaths.

Joint movements may be nonaxial, uniaxial, biaxial, or multiaxial. Define what each of these terms means.

Compare and contrast the paired movements of flexion and extension with adduction and abduction.

How does rotation differ from circumduction?

Name two types of uniaxial, biaxial, and multiaxial joints.

What is the specific role of the menisci of the knee? Of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments?

The knee has been called a beauty and a beast. Provide several reasons that might explain the negative (beast) part of this description.

Why are sprains and cartilage injuries a particular problem?

List the functions of the following elements of a synovial joint: fibrous layer of the capsule, synovial fluid, articular cartilage.