Joints of the Body

Terminology: Articulations – points of contact of joints between 2 connected bones Tendon – attach muscle to bone Ligament – attach bone to bone

Sternoclavicular Joint Connects the sternum & clavicle Only joint connecting the pectoral girdle to axial skeleton Strengthened by intracapsular disc & extrinsic muscles

Acromioclavicular Joint Unites lateral end of clavicle with acromion process of the scapula Shoulder separations often occur here

Glenohumeral Joint Connects upper limb & scapula Multi-axial joint Wide range of movement  lack of stability

Elbow Joint Humero-ulnar Joint – Medial – Between trochlea of the humerus & olecranon process of ulna Humero-radial Joint – Lateral – Between capitulum of humerus & head of radius Radio-ulnar Joint – Between radius & ulna

Radio-Carpal Joint Between distal end of radius & carpals Movement: flexion-extension & adduction- abduction

Intercarpal Joint (Hand) Between bones of the carpals Gliding joints

Carpometacarpal Joint Between carpals & metacarpals Characteristics of carpometacarpal joint of the thumb allows the range of movement necessary for opposition

Metacarpophalangeal Joint Between metacarpals & phalanges “Knuckles” Movements: flexion-extension & adduction- abduction

Interphalangeal Joint Between the phalanges Movement: Flexion-extension

Hip Joint Between head of femur & acetabulum of the hip bone Ball & socket joint Movement: flexion-extension, adduction- abduction & circumduction Hip joint is very stable – Deepened socket – Intrinsic & extrinsic ligaments

Knee (Tibiofemoral) Joint Incredible range of movement Flexion-extension Relatively stable – Menisci Shock-absorbing fibrocartilaginous discs – Anterior & posterior cruciate ligaments Centre of the joint – Lateral & medial collateral ligaments Extending from sides of the femur to tibia & fibula

Ligaments of the Knee Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) – Prevents anterior movement of the tibia – Attaches medial & anterior to tibia – Attaches lateral & posterior to femur Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) – Prevents posterior movement of the tibia – Attaches lateral & posterior to tibia – Attaches medial & anterior to femur

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) – Medial stability – Attaches on tibia & medial side of femur Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) – Lateral stability – Attaches on fibula & lateral side of femur Most common injury to ACL & MCL

Ankle (talocrural) Joint Involves several bones: – Medial & lateral malleoli of the tibia & fibula – Head of talus – Calcaneus

Foot & Toes Joints Joints between tarsals, metatarsals & phalanges: – Tarsometatarsal – Metatarsophalangeal – Interphalangeal Strengthened by plantar ligaments which air in maintaining the arch of the foot