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 Cartilage
Tissue Types - Fibrocartilage
Functions
 Shock absorber for structures subjected to pressure (meniscus, intervertebral discs)
Structure
 Tough tissue with matrix of many collagenous fibers
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
Joints Anatomy and Physiology Lab
Fetal Pig Joint