Types of Joints

Definition: The site where two or more bones meet.

Immovable - Fibrous joints• skull• tibia/fibula

Types of Joints

Immovable - Cartilaginous joints• Rib cage• Intervertebral discs

Types of Joints

Movable - Synovial Joints• Most joints in the body, including all joints of the limbs

Characteristics:• Articular cartilage• Joint cavity/capsule• Synovial fluid• Ligaments• Tendons

Joint Tissues

Cartilage

1. Three Types

• Hyaline

• Elastic

• Fibrocartilage

2. Functions

• Provides support

• Shock absorbance

• Provides flexibility

• Smooth movement

Joint Tissues

Cartilage

Tissue Types – Hyaline Cartilage

Functions Provides soft and smooth

covering to end of bone (articular surface)

Helps provide smooth and easy movement between bones (at joints)

Provides the starting material for new bone growth

Structure Matrix is spongy (like jello)

and evenly distributed between the cells

Cells (chrondocytes) are found in pairs within capsules called lacunae

Hyaline CartilageHyaline Cartilage

Functions Shock absorber for structures subjected to pressure (meniscus, intervertebral discs)

Structure Tough tissue with matrix of many collagenous fibers

FibrocartilageFibrocartilage

Tissue Types - Fibrocartilage

Joint Tissues

Ligaments and Tendons – Dense Connective Tissue

Tissue Types Dense Connective Tissue

Functions

Ligament- bone to bone connection, stops abnormal movement

Tendon – bone to muscle connection, creates normal movement

Structure

Tough tissue with matrix of many collagenous fibers and a fine network of elastic fibers

Dense Connective Tissue

Dense Connective Tissue

Joints Anatomy and Physiology Lab

Fetal Pig Joint