Question

Assignment about joints

Describe what are the joints. give example of one joint, its location and function. minimal one page.

Answer 1

Joints are defined as areas where two bones are attached for the purpose of permitting body parts to move. They are usually formed of fibrous connective tissue and cartilage.

The human body has three main types of joints categorized based on the movement they allow:

• Synarthroses (immovable / fixed / fibrous) : They're defined as two bones which are in close contact and allow no considerable movement. Ex: Bones of skull (joints are called sutures)
• Amphiarthroses (slightly movable / cartilaginous) : They're defined as two bones which are held closely together but allow slight movement. Ex: Vertebrae of spine
• Diarthroses (freely movable / synovial) : These joints have synovial fluid enabling all parts to move smoothly against each other.

There are six types of synovial joints:

1. Ball and socket joint : Rounded head of one bone sit in the cup of second bone permitting movement in all directions. Ex: Shoulder joint
2. Hinge joint : Joints like a door, opening and closing in one direction, along one plane. Ex: Elbow joint
3. Condyloid joint : Joints which allow movement in two planes, but no rotation. Ex: Finger joints
4. Pivot joint (rotatory / trochoid) : Joints in which one bone can rotate in a ring formed by the second bone. Ex: Joint between radius and ulna
5. Gliding joint (plane) : Joints characterized by smooth surfaces that can slip over one another. Ex: Wrist joint
6. Saddle joint : Joints which enable movement back and forth and aide to side. Ex: Joint at base of thumb