Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

8. Joints

Classification of Joints

Anatomy & Physiology

8. Joints

Classification of Joints

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4:14 minutes

Problem 20

Textbook Question

Compare the amount of movement possible in synarthrotic, amphiarthrotic, and diarthrotic joints. Relate these terms to the structural classification of joints—that is, to fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial joints.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the three functional classifications of joints based on their range of movement: synarthrotic (immovable), amphiarthrotic (slightly movable), and diarthrotic (freely movable). These terms describe how much movement is possible at a joint.

Relate the functional classifications to the structural classifications of joints: fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial. Structural classification is based on the type of connective tissue and whether a joint cavity is present.

Synarthrotic joints are typically associated with fibrous joints, such as sutures in the skull, where bones are tightly connected by fibrous connective tissue and allow no movement.

Amphiarthrotic joints are often associated with cartilaginous joints, such as the intervertebral discs or the pubic symphysis, where cartilage allows limited movement between bones.

Diarthrotic joints correspond to synovial joints, which have a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid, allowing a wide range of movement. Examples include the shoulder, hip, and knee joints.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Types of Joints

Joints are classified based on their movement capabilities into three main types: synarthrotic, amphiarthrotic, and diarthrotic. Synarthrotic joints allow no movement (e.g., sutures in the skull), amphiarthrotic joints permit limited movement (e.g., the pubic symphysis), and diarthrotic joints enable a wide range of motion (e.g., the knee and elbow). Understanding these classifications is essential for analyzing joint function.

Structural Classification of Joints

Joints can also be categorized structurally into fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial joints. Fibrous joints, such as sutures, are connected by dense connective tissue and are typically immovable. Cartilaginous joints, like the intervertebral discs, allow slight movement, while synovial joints are characterized by a fluid-filled cavity that facilitates extensive movement, making them the most mobile type of joint.

Functional vs. Structural Classification

The functional classification of joints (synarthrotic, amphiarthrotic, diarthrotic) focuses on the degree of movement, while the structural classification (fibrous, cartilaginous, synovial) emphasizes the anatomical features of the joints. These classifications are interrelated; for instance, synarthrotic joints are typically fibrous, whereas diarthrotic joints are always synovial. Understanding both classifications helps in comprehending joint mechanics and their roles in the skeletal system.