Basic Joint Anatomy Worksheet

1. Why is there little to no movement in a fibrous joint? Because the bones making up the joint are united with strong fibrous tissue.
2. What is an example of a fibrous joint? The bones that hold together the skull.
3. Describe a cartilaginous joint and give an example. A cartilaginous joint is formed where two bones are united by intervening fibrocartilage, like the vertebrae of the spinal column.
4. What type of joint essentially allows free movement? A synovial joint.
5. What lubricates a joint cavity? The synovial fluid
6. For the following joint types please list the name of the joint type, the type of movement of the joint, the shape of the joint and an example.
-Plane joint -Slightly curved articular surfaces; permits gliding or slipping in any direction. Ex. hand
-Hinge joint-One surface which is shaped like an irregular cylinder while the other surface has a concave groove. Movement is limited to rotation around a single axis. Ex. elbow
-Condylar joint-Two articular surfaces on each bone, known as condyles. Similar to a hinge joint, but also permits other kind of movement. Ex. knee joint.
-Ball and Socket joint-Consists of a spherical articulation which fits into a cupshaped cavity on the other bone. Movement is possible in a variety of directions. Ex. shoulder joint.
-Ellipsoidal joint-Like a ball and socket joiny except circumference of the joint socket is oval rather than circular. Permits movement in a varitey of directions. Ex. wrist joint.
-Pivot joint-Has a bony peg which fits into a concave notch in such a way that one bone can rotate with respect to the other. Ex. joints between radius and ulna.
-Saddle joint-resembles two western saddles, one inverted and the second at the right angles to the first, both articulating surfaces are concave in one direction and convex in the other. Movement can occur in a variety of directions. Ex. base of the thumb joint.