Appendicular skeleton – see separate handout.

Classifying Joints

There are basically 2 ways to classify joints, by structure, and by function. By structure, the type of tissue is important, as in fibrous joints, and cartilaginous joints.

In the functional classifications, it is the degree of movement permitted by the joint that matters. 1. Synarthroses - immovable joints. 2. Amphiarthroses -Slightly movable joints. 3. Diarthroses - Freely movable joints.  These are all synovial joints so the terms diarthrosis and synovial joint are used interchangably.

Synarthrotic (Immovable) Joints

The sutures are immovable fibrous synarthrotic joints.

The syndesmoses are also fibrous joints, but since they stretch a little, some classify them as slightly movable.

Amphiarthrotic (Slightly Movable) Joints

A symphysis is a slightly movable joint made mostly of fibrocartilage.  Intervertebral discs are the best example.

Diarthrotic (Freely Movable) Joints

The synovial joint cavity is created by an articular capsule that has a tough dense irregular (fibrous) CT on the outside, and a lining of synovial membrane on the inside.

The synovial membrane produces synovial fluid.

These joints are named either by structure (hinge, ball and socket, saddle), or movement permitted (pivot, gliding).

Reminders

Be able to ID and describe the bones and bone markings presented in the class handout.

Be able to describe the basic kinds of joints and give examples.