Structure and Function of the Articular System

STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE ARTICULAR SYSTEM

The junction of two or more bones is called a joint (articulation). There are three basic kinds of joints: synarthrosis, amphiarthro-sis, and diarthrosis joints. Synarthrosis joints are immovable, as exemplified by the skull sutures. Amphiarthrosis joints, such as the vertebral joints and the symphysis pubis, allow limited mo-tion. The bones of amphiarthrosis joints are joined by fibrous car-tilage. Diarthrosis joints are freely movable joints (Fig. 66-2).

There are several types of diarthrosis joints:

·Ball-and-socket joints, best exemplified by the hip and theshoulder, permit full freedom of movement.

·Hinge joints permit bending in one direction only and arebest exemplified by the elbow and the knee.

·Saddle joints allow movement in two planes at right anglesto each other. The joint at the base of the thumb is a sad-dle, biaxial joint.

·Pivot joints are characterized by the articulation between theradius and the ulna. They permit rotation for such activities as turning a doorknob.

·      Gliding joints allow for limited movement in all directions andare represented by the joints of the carpal bones in the wrist.

The ends of the articulating bones of a typical movable joint are covered with smooth hyaline cartilage. A tough, fibrous sheath called the joint capsule surrounds the articulating bones. The capsule is lined with a membrane, the synovium, which secretes the lubricating and shock-absorbing synovial fluid into the joint capsule. Therefore, the bone surfaces are not in direct contact. In some synovial joints (eg, the knee), fibrocartilage disks (eg, medial meniscus) are located between the articular cartilage surfaces. These disks provide shock absorption.

Ligaments (fibrous connective tissue bands) bind the articu-lating bones together. Ligaments and muscle tendons, which pass over the joint, provide joint stability. In some joints, interosseous ligaments (eg, the cruciate ligaments of the knee) are found within the capsule and add stability to the joint.

A bursa is a sac filled with synovial fluid that cushions the move-ment of tendons, ligaments, and bones at a point of friction. Bur-sae are found at the elbow, shoulder, knee, and some other joints.