Joints, Anatomy, Types & Function
A joint is the part of the body where two or more bones meet to allow movement. Every bone in the body – except for the hyoid bone in the throat – meets up with at least one other bone at a joint. Read the article to know more.
Nivedita Dar26 Jul, 2024
Share
Joints: the intimate connection between two bones. Joints are the connection between bones and help in movements of bones. These movements at joints help humans perform locomotion and move forward. There is a range a movement joints allow. The word “arthrosis” comes from a Greek root,”arthros” meaning a joint.
Visit - MedEd App
Read More - Pharyngeal Arches
On the basis of movements joints are classified into immovable synarthrosis, slightly movable amphiarthrosis, and freely movable diarthrosis. This classification is based on functional movement. Histologically also joints are classified into fibrous, cartilaginous or synovial. The two joint classification schemes correlate: synarthroses are fibrous, amphiarthroses are cartilaginous, and diarthroses are synovialFibrous Joints
A fixed joint also called synarthrosis where collagen fibrous connective tissue unites two bones. Fibrous joints are usually immovable and lack a joint cavity. These joints are further classified into sutures, gomphoses and syndesmoses. Sutures are immovables joints found only in the cranium. The spaces between the bones are termed as fontanelles. Fontanelles are present in fetal head and newborns to allow smooth passage during delivery. As the skull enlarges the fontanelles gradually diminish to form thin fibrous connective tissue layers called “Sharpey fibres” which help bind the bony plates together.Read More - Radiodiagnosis
Cartilaginous Joints
These bones are attached by hyaline or fibrous cartilage. The joints are further classified as primary or secondary cartilaginous joints, depending on the cartilage type involved. A synchondrosis, or primary cartilaginous joint, only contains hyaline cartilage and can be temporary or permanent. The epiphyseal plate (growth plate) is the best example of a temporary synchondrosis. The growth plate permits bone lengthening during development while connecting the diaphysis (bone shaft) with the epiphysis (bone tip) in children. A permanent synchondrosis does not ossify with age but retains its hyaline cartilage. Permanent synchondroses connect bones without allowing any movement, similar to a synarthrosis. These joints are commonly found in the thoracic cage A symphysis, or secondary cartilaginous joint, contains fibrocartilage. This cartilage type is thick and strong. Thus, symphyses have a remarkable ability to resist pulling and bending forces. Read More - Pelvis and PerineumSynovial Joints
Synovial joints are freely mobile (diarthroses) and are considered the body's main functional joints.The synovial joint is characterized by the presence of a joint cavity. The synovial joint's primary function is to prevent friction between the articulating bones involved in body movements. The joint cavity is surrounded by the articular capsule, a fibrous connective tissue attached to the joint's participating bones just beyond the articulating surface. The joint cavity contains synovial fluid secreted by the synovial membrane (synovium), which lines the articular capsule. Hyaline cartilage forms the articular cartilage covering each bone's articulating surface.Visit - MedEd App
There are many types of synovial joints often classified on the basis of the movements they permit namely- hinge, saddle, planar, pivot, condyloid, and ball-and-socket.Scabies FAQs
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. It commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. Over time, it can lead to joint damage and deformities, commonly affecting the hands, wrists, and knees.
What is Arthroplasty?
Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to restore the function of a joint. This can involve the reconstruction or replacement of the joint, often with prosthetic components. Common types include hip and knee replacements.
What is Proprioception and What Helps in It?
Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense its position, movement, and actions in space. It involves the perception of joint angle, muscle length, and muscle tension. Proprioception is aided by sensory receptors located in the muscles, tendons, and joints, as well as by the nervous system, which processes and integrates this sensory information to maintain balance and coordination.
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.
