Objectives

​Things to know

• Distinguish between the functional and structural classifications for joints

• Describe the three functional types of joints and give an example of each

• List the three types of diarthrodial joints

A joint, also called an articulation, is any place where adjacent bones or bone and cartilage come together (articulate with each other) to form a connection. Joints are classified both structurally and functionally.

​Definition

Whether the adjacent bones articulate with each other within a fluid-filled space called a joint cavity.

​Or

Structural classifications of joints take into account whether the adjacent bones are strongly anchored to each other by fibrous connective tissue or cartilage

​What to look for

How to classify

Some text here about the topic of discussion

​A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective tissue.

​​Fibrous joint

​

At a cartilaginous joint, the bones are joined by hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage.

​​Cartilaginous joint

​

At a synovial joint, the bones are not directly connected, instead connected within a joint cavity that is filled with a lubricating fluid.

​​Synovial joint

​

Fibrous

Cartilaginous

Synovial​

​

Tissue Types in Joints

• Between bones in near/direct contact

• Thin layer of dense connective tissue

• Most are synarthrotic​

• Example: Suture​

​

​Fibrous

• Made of hyaline cartilage, or fibrocartilage.

• Discs in the vertebral column​

• Amphiarthrotic

​

Cartilaginous