Lab Exercises 11 - Articulations & Body Movements (1) -...

BIOL3455 Anatomy & Physiology I
Page 1 of 11
A
RTICULATIONS
& B
ODY
M
OVEMENTS
Joints can be classified structurally or functionally:
1. Joints based on structural classification
It is based on the presence of connective tissue fiber, cartilage, or
a joint cavity between the articulating bones:
a. Fibrous joints
b. Cartilaginous joints
c. Synovial joints
2. Joints based on functional classification
It is based on the amount of movement allowed at the joint:
a. Synarthroses , or immovable joints
i. These are largely restricted to the axial skeleton,
where firm bony attachments and protection of
enclosed organs are priorities. Adjective: synarthrotic
or synarthrodial. Singular: synarthrosis
b. Amphiarthroses , or slightly movable joints
i. These are largely restricted to the axial skeleton,
where firm bony attachments and protection of
enclosed organs are priorities. Adjective:
amphiarthrotic or amphiarthrodial. Singular:
amphiarthrosis
c. Diarthroses , or feely movable joints
i. These predominate in the limbs. Adjective: diarthrotic
or diarthrodial. Singular: diarthrosis
As a general rule, fibrous joints are immovable (synarthrotic joints), and
synovial joints are feely movable (diarthrotic joints).

BIOL3455 Anatomy & Physiology I
Page 2 of 11
F
IBROUS
J
OINTS
 Bones are joined by fibrous tissue
 There is no joint cavity present
 Amount of movement allowed depends on the length of the fibers
uniting the bones
o Thus, some are amphiarthrotic (slightly movable) joints, but
most are synarthrotic (immovable) joints
 Major types of fibrous joints:
o Sutures
 Bones interlock
 Bones are united by very short connective tissue fibers
 Example: Most joints of the skull
o Syndesmoses
 Bones do not interlock
 Bones are united by short ligaments of dense fibrous
tissue
 Example: Distal (inferior) tibiofibular joint
o Gomphosis
 Example: Teeth are secured in a bony socket by the
periodontal ligament

BIOL3455 Anatomy & Physiology I
Page 3 of 11
C
ARTILAGINOUS
J
OINTS
 Bones are connected by a plate or pad of cartilage
 There is no joint cavity is present
