Joints 2

• 1. Articular Capsule-
• 2. Synovial Cavity-
• 3. Synovial Fluid-
• 4. Articular Cartilage-
• 5. Accessory Ligaments-
• 6. Articular Disc-
• 7. Bursa-

A sleeve-like structure around a synovial joint composed of two membranes.

• Fibrous Membrane-
• Synovial Membrane-

• Usually, thick, dense irregular CT continuous with the periosteum of articulating bones and sometimes arranged into parallel bands  of dense regular CT (i.e., ligaments).
• Has high tensile strength, yet allows for considerable movement.

• Dense regular CT that connects bone to bone.
• Often designated by individual names.
• [L. a band, tie; fr. logo, to bind]

The deeper, inner layer of the articular capsule of a synovial joint composed of areolar CT and elastic fibers, and which secretes synovial fluid into the synovial cavity.

An accumulation of adipose tissue that is part of the synovial membrane and acts to further cushion and tighten a joint space.

Refers to greater flexibility in the articular capsule, which unfortunately can result in a less stable joint that is more easily dislocated.

The space between articulating bones in a synovial joint that allows these joints to be freely movable.

Clear to pale yellow fluid (consistency of egg whites) that is secreted by the synovial membrane in synovial joints.

• 1. Lubricates joints to reduce friction
• 2. Transports nutrients and wastes to/from chondrocytes in articular cartilage.
• 3. Becomes less viscous with increased mobility.

• Hyaline cartilage that covers bone ends at synovial joints.
• Provides a slippery surface that reduces friction thereby preventing the articulating bones from binding together and absorbs shock.

• A ligament that strengthens or supports another ligament.
• Synovial joints have two types of accessory ligaments.

• 1. Extracapsular ligaments-
• 2. Intracapsular ligaments-

• Ligaments that lie outside the articular capsule.
• E.g.-Fibular (lateral) and tibial (medial) collateral ligaments of the knee joint

• Ligaments that occur within the articular capsule, but are excluded from the synovial cavity by folds of the synovial membrane.
• E.g.-Anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments of the knee joint

• Fibrocartilage attached to the fibrous capsule that are situated between articular surfaces of bones of some synovial joints.
• Also called a meniscus.

• Increase stability 
• Provide cushioning
• Reduce friction
• Create a tighter fit

• Saclike structures composed of an outer fibrous membrane of thin, dense CT lined by a synovial membrane 
• They are filled w/a small amount of fluid similar to synovial fluid.
• Found between the skin and bones, tendons and bones, muscles and bones, or ligaments and bones.

• Cushion the movement of body parts
• Reduce friction in some joints
• E.g.-Between tibial bone and patellar ligament

• Planar-
• Hinge-
• Pivot-
• Condyloid-
• Saddle-
• Ball & Socket-

• Non-axial-
• Articular surfaces usually flat
• Allow back/forth, gliding side to side movements

• A/C joint-
• Tarsals-
• Carpals-
• Sterno-clavicular-

• Uniaxial-
• Shaped like a door hinge
• Allow flexion & extension

• Humeroulnar-
• Interphalangeal-
• Talocrural-ankle

• Uniaxial-
• Think of a turning door knob
• Allow rotation around an axis

• Atlantoaxial joint
• Radioulnar joint

• Biaxial-
• Articular surface has an ovoid shape-
• Allows flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and limited circumduction

• Radiocarpal-wrist
• Metacarpophalangeal-knuckles

• Biaxial-
• Looks like a rider in a saddle-
• Allows flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and limited circumduction (more than Saddle joints, but similar)

Carpometacarpal joint of the thumb (trapezium/1st metacarpal)-

• Triaxial-
• A ball fits into a cup-like depression-
• Allows flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, rotation & circumduction-

• Only two examples in humans:
• Glenohumeral-
• Acetabulofemoral-

• The head of the humerus becomes displaced from the articular capsule (usually inferiorly).
• Most common type of dislocation.

Locally contraindicated

Injury to the acromioclavicular joint, usually due to trauma.

• Healthy cartilage degenerates due to wear/tear and age.
• Common in lg. joints due to repetitive weight-bearing stress.
• Cartilage damaged, bone irritation, bone spurs, muscle irritation/pain, muscle atrophy

• Proceed w/Caution-
• Careful/gentle massage, ROM work helpful, work muscles crossing joints, relieve compensation patterns

• An autoimmune disorder where immune system attacks synovial membranes causing them to thicken.
• Common in distal joints of hands, wrists, ankles, and toes.

• General contraindication for acute flare-ups (within 24-72 hrs.)
• Local contraindication for inflamed areas

• Stretched or torn muscles/tendons.
• Usually due to strong, sudden contraction.

Wrenching, twisting, or tearing of a ligament.

• General contraindication in the acute phase (within 24-72 hrs.)
• Local contraindication for injured area

• Spinal degeneration seen most often in the cervical or lumbar areas.
• Intervertebral discs thin, bone spurs can occur, pain, tingling, numbness, loss of bowel control.

Massage is good for the resulting stiffness.

• Pain and compromised movement of the jaw and surrounding muscles due to trauma, improper bite, arthritis and general wear/tear.
• Commonly causes jaw tenderness, headaches, earaches, and facial pain.

Massage is indicated.

A lateral deviation of the great toe that causes the joint capsule to stretch, bursa to grow, and callouses to form over it.

Locally contraindication for red/inflamed areas.

• Inflammation of the bursa due to repetitive movements and/or wear/tear.
• Synovial membrane responds by producing more synovial fluid, increases pressure, muscle guarding occurs in response to pressure/pain, limited ROM

• Acute-Locally contraindicated for inflamed areas
• Subacute-ROM

acute inflammation/infection

chronic condition (infectious or other)