Joints The area where two bones are attached for the purpose of permitting body parts to move. A joint is usually formed of fibrous connective tissue and cartilage. Joints allow movement, support, and structure to bones and ligaments .

From a structure viewpoint there are 3 categories: 1. Fibrous-no joint cavity and are connected via fibrous connective tissue 2. Cartilaginous- are connected entirely by cartilage (fibrocartilage or hyaline). 3. Synovial-have a space between the articulating bones that is filled with synovial fluid.

From a functions viewpoint there are 3 categories 1. Amphiarthrosis - allow minimal movement 2. Diarthrosis - A large amount of movement 3. Synarthrosis - almost none to no movement

Types of Joints Suture joints – fibrous joints – found on skull between cranial sutures Plane joints – synovial joint – ankle, hand – allow bones to glide to side of another bone Hinge joints – synovial joint – Knee, elbow, fingers, and toes – allow for only bending and straightening movements Pivot joints – synovial joint – neck – allow for somewhat limited rotating movement

Types of joints continued Ellipsoidal joint – synovial joint – wrist – allow for a more complicated movement – Saddle joints – synovial joint – thumb – allow for other complex movements in two planes Ball and socket joint – synovial joint – hip and shoulders – allow for forward and backward movement along with sideways and rotating movements

Types of movement and examples flexion- refers to a movement that decreases the angle between two body parts extension- describing a straightening movement that increases the angle between body parts. abduction- moving away from body adduction- moving toward the body

inversion- turning foot so sole is inward eversion- sole is out protraction-extension or protrusion retraction – to bring back

rotation- around its axis circumduction- swinging arms in circles supination- rotation of arm to palm-up position pronation- palm down

Arthritis inflammation of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. osteoarthritis –wear and tear and rheumatoid arthritis- auto- immune