synovial joints

Examples of synovial joints in the following topics:

• Classification of Joints on the Basis of Structure and Function

  • Synovial joints are the only joints that have a space between the adjoining bones .
  • This space, referred to as the synovial (or joint) cavity, is filled with synovial fluid.
  • Knees, elbows, and shoulders are examples of synovial joints.
  • Since they allow for free movement, synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
  • Synovial joints are the only joints that have a space or "synovial cavity" in the joint.

• Types of Synovial Joints

  • Synovial joints include planar, hinge, pivot, condyloid, saddle, and ball-and-socket joints, which allow varying types of movement.
  • Synovial joints are further classified into six different categories on the basis of the shape and structure of the joint.
  • These joints allow for gliding movements; therefore, the joints are sometimes referred to as gliding joints.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the synovial joints of the hands, feet, and cervical spine.
  • The six types of synovial joints allow the body to move in a variety of ways.

• Movement at Synovial Joints

  • Synovial joints allow for many types of movement including gliding, angular, rotational, and special movements.
  • The range of movement allowed by synovial joints is fairly wide.
  • The joints of the carpal and tarsal bones are examples of joints that produce gliding movements.
  • Retraction occurs as a joint moves back into position after protraction.
  • Synovial joints give the body many ways in which to move.

• Bone and Joint Disorders

  • Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body.
  • A key structural characteristic for a synovial joint that is not seen at fibrous or cartilaginous joints is the presence of a joint cavity.
  • Arthritis is a common disorder of synovial joints that involves inflammation of the joint.
  • This often results in significant joint pain, along with swelling, stiffness, and reduced joint mobility.
  • In rheumatoid arthritis, the joint capsule and synovial membrane become inflamed.

• Functions of the Musculoskeletal System

  • To allow motion, different bones are connected by joints.
  • Muscles contract (bunch up) to move the bone attached at the joint.
  • Ailments that affect the joints, such as arthritis, are also widespread.
  • In severe cases in which the joint has suffered extensive damage, joint replacement surgery may be needed.
  • To allow motion, different bones are connected by joints.

• Human Appendicular Skeleton

  • They support the muscles crossing the shoulder joint.
  • The pelvis joins together in the anterior of the body the pubic symphysis joint and with the bones of the sacrum at the posterior of the body.
  • The femur and pelvis form the hip joint at the proximal end.
  • At the distal end, the femur, tibia, and patella form the knee joint.
  • It is not weight-bearing, but acts as a site for muscle attachment while forming the lateral part of the ankle joint.

• Phylum Arthropoda

  • Arthropods are the largest grouping of animals all of which have jointed legs and an exoskeleton made of chitin.
  • The name "arthropoda" means "jointed legs" (in the Greek, "arthros" means "joint" and "podos" means "leg"); it aptly describes the enormous number of invertebrates included in this phylum.
  • The principal characteristics of all the animals in this phylum are functional segmentation of the body and presence of jointed appendages.

• Ferns and Other Seedless Vascular Plants

  • The stem of a horsetail is characterized by the presence of joints or nodes, hence the name Arthrophyta (arthro- = "joint"; -phyta = "plant").
  • Leaves and branches come out as whorls from the evenly-spaced joints.
  • Thin leaves originating at the joints are noticeable on the horsetail plant.

• Somatosensory Receptors

  • These are slow-adapting, encapsulated mechanoreceptors that detect skin stretch and deformations within joints; they provide valuable feedback for gripping objects and controlling finger position and movement.
  • They are found in the bone periosteum, joint capsules, pancreas and other viscera, breast, and genitals .
  • Ruffini endings detect stretch, deformation within joints, and warmth.

• Early Plant Life

  • Mosses may grow on a tree trunk and horsetails may display their jointed stems and spindly leaves across the forest floor .