Review Sheet 11 Articulations And Body Movements

Review Sheet: 11 Articulations and Body Movements

This comprehensive review sheet covers 11 key articulations and body movements, crucial for understanding human anatomy, kinesiology, and various healthcare professions. We'll explore each articulation's structure, function, and common movements, providing a solid foundation for further study. This detailed guide incorporates SEO best practices for optimal search engine visibility.

1. Fibrous Joints: Synarthroses (Immovable Joints)

Fibrous joints, also known as synarthroses, are characterized by immovable or slightly movable connections between bones. They're held together by dense fibrous connective tissue. Three main types exist:

1.1 Sutures:

Found only in the skull, sutures are interlocking, immovable fibrous joints. They provide strong protection for the brain. Examples include the coronal, sagittal, and lambdoid sutures. Keywords: Sutures, skull, fibrous joints, synarthroses, immovable joints, coronal suture, sagittal suture, lambdoid suture.

1.2 Syndesmoses:

Syndesmoses involve bones connected by a ligament or fibrous membrane. While slightly more movable than sutures, they still offer significant stability. The distal tibiofibular joint is a prime example, demonstrating a limited range of movement. Keywords: Syndesmoses, ligament, fibrous membrane, distal tibiofibular joint, slightly movable, stability.

1.3 Gomphoses:

Gomphoses are unique peg-in-socket fibrous joints, exemplified by the articulation between teeth and their sockets in the maxilla and mandible. The periodontal ligament secures the teeth, allowing for minimal movement during chewing. Keywords: Gomphoses, peg-in-socket, teeth, sockets, maxilla, mandible, periodontal ligament.

2. Cartilaginous Joints: Amphiarthroses (Slightly Movable Joints)

Cartilaginous joints, or amphiarthroses, are characterized by slightly movable connections between bones. They're primarily connected by cartilage. Two main types exist:

2.1 Synchondroses:

Synchondroses are joints where bones are united by hyaline cartilage. An example is the epiphyseal plate in growing long bones. These joints are temporary and eventually ossify (become bone) as growth ceases. Keywords: Synchondroses, hyaline cartilage, epiphyseal plate, temporary joints, ossification, long bones.

2.2 Symphyses:

Symphyses feature bones connected by fibrocartilage. The pubic symphysis, connecting the two pubic bones, and the intervertebral discs between vertebrae are classic examples. These joints allow for limited movement while providing significant stability. Keywords: Symphyses, fibrocartilage, pubic symphysis, intervertebral discs, vertebrae, limited movement, stability.

3. Synovial Joints: Diarthroses (Freely Movable Joints)

Synovial joints, or diarthroses, are the most common type of joint in the body, allowing for a wide range of motion. They're characterized by a synovial cavity filled with synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint and reduces friction. Six main types of synovial joints exist:

3.1 Plane (Gliding) Joints:

Plane joints feature flat articular surfaces that glide over one another. Examples include the intercarpal and intertarsal joints in the hands and feet. Movement is limited but allows for flexibility. Keywords: Plane joints, gliding joints, articular surfaces, intercarpal joints, intertarsal joints, limited movement, flexibility.

3.2 Hinge Joints:

Hinge joints allow for uniplanar movement, like the hinge of a door. The elbow and knee joints are classic examples. Movement is primarily flexion and extension. Keywords: Hinge joints, uniplanar movement, elbow joint, knee joint, flexion, extension.

3.3 Pivot Joints:

Pivot joints enable rotation around a single axis. The atlantoaxial joint (between the first two cervical vertebrae) and the radioulnar joint are excellent examples. Rotation is the primary movement. Keywords: Pivot joints, rotation, atlantoaxial joint, radioulnar joint, single axis.

3.4 Condyloid (Ellipsoid) Joints:

Condyloid joints permit biaxial movement, meaning movement occurs around two axes. The radiocarpal joint (wrist) and metacarpophalangeal joints (knuckles) are prime examples. Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction are possible. Keywords: Condyloid joints, ellipsoid joints, biaxial movement, radiocarpal joint, metacarpophalangeal joints, flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, circumduction.

3.5 Saddle Joints:

Saddle joints also allow for biaxial movement, but their articular surfaces resemble a saddle. The carpometacarpal joint of the thumb is the classic example. Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction are all possible. Keywords: Saddle joints, biaxial movement, carpometacarpal joint, thumb, flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, circumduction.

3.6 Ball-and-Socket Joints:

Ball-and-socket joints enable multiaxial movement, allowing for movement around three axes. The shoulder and hip joints are classic examples. Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, medial and lateral rotation, and circumduction are all possible. Keywords: Ball-and-socket joints, multiaxial movement, shoulder joint, hip joint, flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, medial rotation, lateral rotation, circumduction.

Body Movements: A Functional Overview

Understanding the types of movements possible at each joint is vital. Common body movements include:

• Flexion: Decreasing the angle between two bones.
• Extension: Increasing the angle between two bones.
• Abduction: Moving a limb away from the midline of the body.
• Adduction: Moving a limb towards the midline of the body.
• Rotation: Turning a bone around its own long axis.
• Circumduction: Moving a limb in a circular motion.
• Supination: Rotating the forearm so the palm faces anteriorly (upwards).
• Pronation: Rotating the forearm so the palm faces posteriorly (downwards).
• Dorsiflexion: Bending the foot upwards at the ankle.
• Plantarflexion: Bending the foot downwards at the ankle.
• Inversion: Turning the sole of the foot medially (inwards).
• Eversion: Turning the sole of the foot laterally (outwards).
• Protraction: Moving a body part forward (e.g., protruding the jaw).
• Retraction: Moving a body part backward (e.g., retracting the jaw).
• Elevation: Raising a body part (e.g., shrugging the shoulders).
• Depression: Lowering a body part (e.g., dropping the shoulders).

Clinical Significance and Applications

Understanding articulations and body movements is paramount in several healthcare fields:

• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation plans heavily rely on the assessment and treatment of joint mobility and movement dysfunction.
• Occupational Therapy: Assisting patients to regain functional movement for daily activities is crucial.
• Orthopedics: Diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries often involve detailed knowledge of joint structure and function.
• Sports Medicine: Understanding biomechanics and joint movement patterns is crucial for injury prevention and rehabilitation in athletes.

Conclusion: Mastering Articulations and Body Movements

This comprehensive review sheet provides a foundation for understanding the 11 key articulations and associated body movements. Through a detailed examination of joint structure, function, and common movements, healthcare professionals and students alike can strengthen their knowledge base. Remember to consistently review and apply this information for optimal comprehension and retention. Understanding these concepts is fundamental for success in anatomy, kinesiology, and related healthcare disciplines. Further exploration into specific joints and their associated pathologies will deepen your understanding even further. Regular practice and application are key to mastering this essential aspect of human biology.