1. AS Level Anatomy and Physiology
Joints
AS Level
Anatomy and Physiology

2. By the end of today’s lesson you will understand:
Lesson Outcomes
By the end of today’s lesson you will understand:
The 6 main types of synovial joints
The structure of synovial joints
The type of movement joints can perform

3. Synovial joints Freely moveable Found in the appendicular skeleton
Structure
There are several important structures common to all synovial joints…

4. Structure and Function of Synovial Joints (Important!)
FOUR features
Articular/Hyaline Cartilage
Smooth cartilage at the end of bones at the joint
Two-Layered Joint Capsule
Outer Layer – Tough fibrous capsule
Inner Layer – Synovial Membrane
Synovial Fluid
Slippery fluid in joint capsule (like egg white!)
Ligament
A band of strong fibrous tissue
Structure
Structure
Structure
Structure

5. Structure and Function of Synovial Joints (Important!)
FOUR Functions
Articular/Hyaline Cartilage
Prevent friction between articulating bones
Two-Layered Joint Capsule
Outer Layer – Strengthen joint
Inner Layer – To secrete synovial fluid
Synovial Fluid
Reduce friction between articular cartilages
Nourish articular cartilage
Rid the joint of waste
Ligament
To connect one bone to another

6. Types of Synovial Joint
There are six main types of synovial joint found in the body
Can you name them
and give examples?

7. The 6 Types Hinge Knee, Elbow Condyloid Wrist
Gliding Articulating surfaces of the vertebrae
Pivot Radio-ulna, atlas/axis
Ball and Socket Shoulder, Hip
Saddle Thumb

8. Movements at Joints
All movements start from the anatomical position (AP) – see picture of skeleton
Flexion – movement forward from AP (except knee joint)
Extension – movement backward from AP (except knee joint)

9. TASK
Practice these movements for the following joints…. Wrist, elbow, shoulder, spine, hip, knee
Info: The knee joint is the only exception where flexion moves backwards and extension moves forwards

10. Abduction – movement away from midline of body
Occurs at wrist, shoulder, hip
Adduction – movement towards midline of body
Rotation and circumduction – what is the difference?
To recognise the difference:
Rotation: the long axis of the moving part would draw a dot if a pen was held at the end
Circumduction: the pen would draw a circle

11. Specialist Movements Supination – radio-ulna joint – palms up
Pronation – radio-ulna joint – palms down
Dorsi-flexion – ankle joint – toes up
Plantar-flexion – ankle joint – toes down
Point to the floor
Practise these movements then complete worksheet 1.3 (labelling an upper/lower joint)

12. Homework! Complete the crossword Hint
For 3 down the pelvis is also called the illium!