|
A joint (from French joint) (articulation) is the location at which two bones make contact (articulate). Joints are constructed to both allow movement and provide mechanical support. Classification Structure and function of a joint are closely related. Structural classification Structurally, joints are classified as: Fibrous joints In fibrous joints bones are joined by tight and inflexible layers of dense connective tissue, consisting mainly of collagen fibers. In adults, these are not designed to allow any movement; however, in children, fibrous joints have not solidified and are movable. Examples of fibrous joints are: Cartilaginous joints In cartilaginous joints (also known as synchondroses) bones are connected entirely by cartilage. In comparison to synovial joints, cartilaginous joints allow only slight movement. Examples of cartilaginous joints are the pubic symphysis, the joints between the ribs and the sternum, and the cartilage connecting the growth regions of immature long bones. Another example is in the spinal column - the cartilaginous region between adjacent vertebrae. and are made of cartilage. Synovial joints See synovial joint for details. (The term "Synovial joint" and "Diarthrosis joint" are often used interchangeably, although the first term refers to the structure and the second one to the function.) Functional classification Functionally, they can be classified as: Synarthrosis joints Synarthroses are joints with very little (if any) mobility. They can be categorised by how the two bones are joined together: Amphiarthrosis joints Most amphiarthrosis joints are cartilaginous. See above and amphiarthrosis for more details. Diarthroses (Synovial, Diarthroidal joints) See synovial joint for details. See also | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
 |
|
| |