I. Introduction to Joints

A. An articulation is a point of contact between two or more bones, between cartilage and bone, or between teeth and bones 1. The study of joints is arthrology

B. Joint structure determines function 1. Can allow no movement, slight movement, or considerable movement 2. Support is lent by ligaments and joint capsules, as well as muscles

II. Joint Classification

A. Structural classification 1. Based upon the presence or absence of a synovial fluid cavity and the type of connecting tissue a. Classified as fibrous, cartilagenous, or synovial

B. Function 1. Classification is based on degree of movement permitted a. may be synarthroses (immovable), amphioarthroses (partially moveable), or diarthroses (free moving)

III. Synarthroses

A. Types 1. A suture is a fibrous joint composed of a thin layer of dense fibrous connective tissue that unites skull bones 2. A gomphosis is a fibrous joint in which a cone shaped peg fits into a socket 3. A synchrondosis is a cartilagenous joint in which the connecting material is hyaline cartilage

IV. Amphiarthroses

A. Types 1. A syndesmosis is a fibrous joint in which there is more fibrous connective tissue than in a suture 2. A symphysis is a cartilagenous joint in which the connecting material is a disc of fibrocartilage