Structural Classification:

based on the presence of a synovial (joint) cavity and type of connecting tissue.

Synovial membranes are connective tissue membranes made of areolar connective tissue with elastic fibers and some fat.

1. fibrous : no synovial cavity and the bones are held together by fibrous connective tissue.

2. cartilaginous: no synovial cavity and the bones are held together by cartilage

3. synovial: there is a synovial cavity, and the bones forming the joint are surrounded by an articular capsule and often by accessory ligaments.

Functional Classification

based on the degree of movement permitted.

1.synarthroses (immovable)

2. amphiarthroses (partially movable)

3. diarthroses (freely movable)

 

Fibrous joints:

contains many collagen fibers.

In general, these joints are Synarthroses

Suture - a thin layer of dense fibrous connective tissue that unites skull bones.

Some sutures are present as children by are replaced by bone in adults. called a synostosis example: frontal bones

                    Gomphosis

A gomphosis is a fibrous joint in which a cone-shaped peg fits into a socket. examples: the roots of teeth into sockets- held in by periodontal ligaments.

Syndesmosis - Amphiarthrosis - there is more fibrous connective tissue than in a suture. The fibrous connective tissue forms an interosseous ligament that allows some degree of flexibity and movement. An example is the distal articulation of the tibia and fibula.

Cartilaginous Joints

Synchondrosis - synarthrosis - the connecting material is hyaline cartilage.

                    An example is the epiphyseal plate. This is temporary .

A permanent synchondrosis is the joint between the manubrium and first rib

                    Symphysis -amphiarthrosis - cartilaginous joint in which the connecting material is a disc of fibrocartilage .

SYNOVIAL JOINTS - DIARTHROSES

(FREELY MOVABLE JOINTS)

  • Features:
    •

                        articular cartilage

                        articular capsule

  • outer layer is dense irregular connective tissue called the fibrous capsule.

    •                                             ligaments

                                        Inner layer is synovial membrane

                            accessory ligaments.

  • extracapsular accessory ligaments are outside the articular capsule
  • intracapsular accessory ligaments are with the articular capsule by outside of the synovial cavity.
    •

    articular discs (menisci)

    bursae

    Factors Affecting Movement at Diarthroses

    1. the shape of the articulating bones
    2. strength and tension of ligaments
    3. arrangement and tension of muscles
    4. apposition of soft parts.
    5. hormones