Joints

Joints (aka Articulations) are two or more bones that are

articulated with each other in other words; joints occur
wherever two or more bones touch or make contact .

So when we say one bone articulates with another bone, we mean that the bones
form a joint.

Types of Joints

Immovable (fixed Partially Movable

Freely Movable Joints
joints) joints

We have several types of joints in our body; Let's start by

examining some examples:

1) Fixed Joints: (Immovable joints)

We can have an idea about this type of joint from its name;
Fixed means that it cannot move.

In this type of joint, the bones are firmly bound together by

tough fibers.

Example: the bones that make up the roof of the skull (cranium) are fused
together allowing no movement.

2) Slightly movable joints:

These joints have a limited range of movement.
The bones of these joints can move a little against
a pad of cartilage called intervertebral disc that is
found between them.

Example: between vertebrae of the backbone. They allow a little movement

when the spinal column bends.

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3) Freely movable Joints: These are also called "synovial joints"

Types of Freely Movable joints

• Hinge joint
(such as the elbow and knee)
• Ball and Socket
(such as the shoulder and hip)
• Sliding joint
(e.g. between vertebrae of the backbone)

Freely Movable joints:

A movable joint must have the following features:

1) A way in which the end of bones are held together  So that

they don’t separate or dislocate  Ligaments

2) A way of preventing friction between the ends of adjacent

bones Cartilage covering the ends of bones

3) Synovial fluid secreted by synovial membrane: serves to

lubricate the joint and reduce the friction between bones in
joints

Movable joints are called synovial joint, they

contain a fluid called synovial fluid and is secreted
by the Synovial membrane lining the space in the
middle of the joint.

What is the main function of the synovial fluid?

This fluid is oily and acts as a lubricant  reduces

friction between the ends of bones

Synovial fluid also supplies the cartilage with

oxygen and nutrients

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Functions of cartilage:

a) Protects the ends of bones

b) Stops bones from rubbing with each other

c) Allows smooth movement of bones

d) Acts as a shock absorber

Keep in mind that  Synovial Joints can move freely, yet they are held
together by ligaments.

Types of synovial Joints (freely movable joints)

1) Hinge Joint:

This type of joint is found at Elbows, Knees, fingers and toes.

This type of joint allows movement in one plane

What is a hinge?

A) Elbow Joint:
Movement in one plane

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Humerus bone

Radius bone

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B) Knee Joint :

Movement in 180 0 (up and down movement) / one plane

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Structure of knee Joint:

2) Ball & socket joint:

This type of joint is found in shoulders and hips.

This type of joint moves in 360 0, it is made of a rounded head on one bone
which fits into a socket of another bone.

A) Hip Joint
Movement in all directions (3600)

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  Structure of hip joint:

Functions of the hip Joint:

1) Attachment of femur (Thigh bone) Ligaments

2) Allows movement of the leg in all
directions

B) Shoulder Joint

Movement in 3 planes (360 0)

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 Structure of shoulder joint:

Functions of shoulder Joint:

1) Attachment of some breathing

muscles

2) Hold the arm bone & allows

movement of arm in all directions

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3) Sliding Joints (Also called Gliding Joints):
When two flat surfaces rub together e.g. between the flat surfaces of
vertebrae.

Function: Allows the twisting and bending of the back.

* Keep in mind that vertebrae have two kinds of Joints:

Partially movable joints: vertebrae moving against the discs of cartilage that
is found between them

Sliding Joints: between the flat processes extending from each vertebrae.

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Medical Issues:
Some people consider replacing
damaged joints with artificial ones; in this
case people need to choose an
alternative that is:

1) Light: To allow easy movement

2) Strong

3) Long lasting

4) Will not create allergic reactions.

 Sometimes a severe jolt or blow to the joint may increase the amount of
synovial fluid between bones. The extra fluid creates pressure and leads to
swelling and movement with pain.

 What if?
A girl damaged her knee joint tearing the membrane surrounding synovial
fluid:
- Fluid will leak from the joint
- Loss of lubrication
- Bones will rub together
- Movement of the joint becomes painful

Arthritis

Arthritis involves the breakdown of

cartilage. Cartilage normally protects a
joint by preventing friction between
bones, allowing it to move smoothly.
Cartilage also absorbs shock when
pressure is placed on the joint, such as
when you walk. Without the normal
amount of cartilage, the bones rub
together, causing pain, swelling and
stiffness.

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