Muscles and Joints
Describe the joints of the axial and appendicular skeleton

Joint: junction (articulation) between two or more bones
 Fibrous: (or fixed) These joints are immovable joints in which bones are held
together by connective tissue
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Example: between bones of the skull and between teeth and jaws
 Cartilaginous: These joints allow limited movement in which bones are held
together by interposed cartilage fastened to the bones by connective tissue
-
Example: between adjacent vertebrae, between coxal bones, ribs and
sternum
 Synovial: These joints are freely movable in which bones are bound together
by ligaments and connective tissue forming a fluid filled joint cavity.
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In the joint cavity, the ends of bones are covered in articular cartilage
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An outer articular capsule helps to maintain bone alignment
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Elastic synovial membrane secretes and contains the lubricating synovial
fluid
Describe the structure and types of synovial joints
Hinge Joint

Allows movement in only one plane (e.g. extension and flexion)

The Elbow Joint
 The bones involved in this joint are the humerus, ulna and radius

Skull/Vertebral Joint
 Articulation of the atlas (the first cervical vertebra) and the skull is another
example of a hinge joint
CHECKPOINT: Make sure that you know the difference of the
joints!
Angular and Circular Movements of Synovial Joints

Flexion: the bending of a joint, usually by reducing the angle that two movable
articulated bones make with each other (Elbow, knee, neck)

Extension: the opposite of flexion - increasing the angle between the bones, usually
to a 180degree maximum (Elbow, knee, neck)