Classification of joints (3)
According to function:
Synarthroses – no/little movement e.g. sutures
Amphiarthrosis – some movement e.g. intervertebral discs
Diarthroses – freely moveable, are always synovial joints
According to structure:
Fibrous joints:
Sutures – only in the cranium, form around 18 months of age when they
replace fontanels
Syndesmosis – bones joined by interosseus ligament or dense
aponeurotic membrane
Gomphoses –pegs and sockets, attached by bundles of regular
collagenous connective tissue e.g. periodontal ligaments holding teeth in
place
Syndesmosis example (from endevourfit.com)
Cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis (primary) – advancing centres of ossification separated by
hyaline cartilage. Most are temporary (e.g. growth plates) some persist (e.g.
coastal cartilages).
Symphyses (secondary) – Fibro-cartilage pads, allow slight movement,
includes intervertebral discs and pubic symphyses.
Synovial joints:
Joint capsule has two layers:
o Outer, fibrous capsule blends with periosteum and tendons, composed of
dense irregular connective tissue.
o Inner, synovial membrane (synovium), lines the joint cavity except for
articular surfaces.
Synovium:
Based on a lecture delivered by Dr M Sharif at the university of Bristol 2015
According to function:
Synarthroses – no/little movement e.g. sutures
Amphiarthrosis – some movement e.g. intervertebral discs
Diarthroses – freely moveable, are always synovial joints
According to structure:
Fibrous joints:
Sutures – only in the cranium, form around 18 months of age when they
replace fontanels
Syndesmosis – bones joined by interosseus ligament or dense
aponeurotic membrane
Gomphoses –pegs and sockets, attached by bundles of regular
collagenous connective tissue e.g. periodontal ligaments holding teeth in
place
Syndesmosis example (from endevourfit.com)
Cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis (primary) – advancing centres of ossification separated by
hyaline cartilage. Most are temporary (e.g. growth plates) some persist (e.g.
coastal cartilages).
Symphyses (secondary) – Fibro-cartilage pads, allow slight movement,
includes intervertebral discs and pubic symphyses.
Synovial joints:
Joint capsule has two layers:
o Outer, fibrous capsule blends with periosteum and tendons, composed of
dense irregular connective tissue.
o Inner, synovial membrane (synovium), lines the joint cavity except for
articular surfaces.
Synovium:
Based on a lecture delivered by Dr M Sharif at the university of Bristol 2015
