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Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology: 11.6 Classification of Joints

Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology
11.6 Classification of Joints
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table of contents
  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. Table Of Contents
  5. About the Authors
  6. Acknowledgments
  7. Preface
  8. Levels of Organisation, Homeostasis and Nomenclature
    1. 1.1 Overview of Anatomy and Physiology
    2. 1.2 Structural Organisation of the Human Body
    3. 1.3 Homeostasis
    4. 1.4 Anatomical Terminology
  9. Cells and Reproduction
    1. 2.1 Synthesis of Biological Macromolecules
    2. 2.2 Carbohydrates
    3. 2.3 Lipids
    4. 2.4 Protein
    5. 2.5 Nucleic Acid
    6. 2.6 The Cell Membrane
    7. 2.7 The Cytoplasm and Cellular Organelles
    8. 2.8 The Nucleus and DNA Replication
    9. 2.9 Protein Synthesis
    10. 2.10 Cell Growth and Division
    11. 2.11 Cellular Differentiation
  10. Tissues, Organs, Systems
    1. 3.1 Types of Tissues
    2. 3.2 Epithelial Tissue
    3. 3.3 Connective Tissue Supports and Protects
    4. 3.4 Muscle Tissue and Motion
    5. 3.5 Nervous Tissue Mediates Perception and Response
    6. 3.6 Tissue Injury and Ageing
  11. Integumentary System
    1. 4.1 Layers of the Skin
    2. 4.2 Accessory Structures of the Skin
    3. 4.3 Functions of the Integumentary System
    4. 4.4 Diseases, Disorders and Injuries of the Integumentary System
  12. Blood
    1. 5.1 An Overview of Blood
    2. 5.2 Production of the Formed Elements
    3. 5.3 Erythrocytes
    4. 5.4 Leukocytes and Platelets
    5. 5.5 Haemostasis
    6. 5.6 Blood Typing
  13. Cardiovascular System
    1. 6.1 Heart Anatomy
    2. 6.2 Cardiac Muscle and Electrical Activity
    3. 6.3 Cardiac Cycle
    4. 6.4 Cardiac Physiology
    5. 6.5 Development of the Heart
    6. 6.6 Structure and Function of Blood Vessels
    7. 6.7 Blood Flow, Blood Pressure and Resistance
    8. 6.8 Capillary Exchange
    9. 6.9 Homeostatic Regulation of the Vascular System
    10. 6.10 Circulatory Pathways
    11. 6.11 Development of Blood Vessels and Foetal Circulation
  14. Lymphatic System and Immunity
    1. 7.1 Anatomy of the Lymphatic and Immune Systems
    2. 7.2 Barrier Defences and the Innate Immune Response
    3. 7.3 The Adaptive Immune Response: T Lymphocytes and their Functional Types
    4. 7.4 The Adaptive Immune Response: B-Lymhocytes and Antibodies
    5. 7.5 The Immune Response Against Pathogens
    6. 7.6 Diseases Associated with Depressed or Overactive Immune Responses
    7. 7.7 Transplantation and Cancer Immunology
  15. Respiratory System
    1. 8.1 Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System
    2. 8.2 The Lungs
    3. 8.3 The Process of Breathing
    4. 8.4 Gas Exchange
    5. 8.5 Transport of Gases
    6. 8.6 Modifications in Respiratory Functions
    7. 8.7 Embryonic Development of the Respiratory System
  16. Muscle System
    1. 9.1 Overview of Muscle Tissues
    2. 9.2 Skeletal Muscle
    3. 9.3 Muscle Fibre Contraction and Relaxation
    4. 9.4 Nervous System Control of Muscle Tension
    5. 9.5 Types of Muscle Fibres
    6. 9.6 Exercise and Muscle Performance
    7. 9.7 Cardiac Muscle Tissue
    8. 9.8 Smooth Muscle
    9. 9.9 Development and Regeneration of Muscle Tissue
  17. Skeletal System
    1. 10.1 The Functions of the Skeletal System
    2. 10.2 Bone Classification
    3. 10.3 Bone Structure
    4. 10.4 Bone Formation and Development
    5. 10.5 Fractures: Bone Repair
    6. 10.6 Exercise, Nutrition, Hormones and Bone Tissue
    7. 10.7 Calcium Homeostasis: Interactions of the Skeletal System and Other Organ Systems
    8. 10.8 Divisions of the Skeletal System
    9. 10.9 The Skull
    10. 10.10 The Vertebral Column
    11. 10.11 The Thoracic Cage
    12. 10.12 Embryonic Development of the Axial Skeleton
  18. Musculoskeletal System
    1. 11.1 The Pectoral Girdle
    2. 11.2 Bones of the Upper Limb
    3. 11.3 The Pelvic Girdle and Pelvis
    4. 11.4 Bones of the Lower Limb
    5. 11.5 Development of the Appendicular Skeleton
    6. 11.6 Classification of Joints
    7. 11.7 Fibrous Joints
    8. 11.8 Cartilaginous Joints
    9. 11.9 Synovial Joints
    10. 11.10 Types of Body Movements
    11. 11.11 Anatomy of Selected Synovial Joints
    12. 11.12 Development of Joints
  19. Digestive System
    1. 12.1 Overview of the Digestive System
    2. 12.2 Digestive System Processes and Regulation
    3. 12.3 The Mouth, Pharynx and Oesophagus
    4. 12.4 The Stomach
    5. 12.5 The Small and Large Intestines
    6. 12.6 Accessory Organs in Digestion: the Liver, Pancreas and Gallbladder
    7. 12.7 Chemical Digestion and Absorption
  20. Nervous System
    1. 13.1 Basic Structure and Function of the Nervous System
    2. 13.2 Nervous Tissue
    3. 13.3 The Function of Nervous Tissue
    4. 13.4 The Action Potential
    5. 13.5 Communication between Neurons
    6. 13.6 The Embyrologic Perspective
    7. 13.7 The Central Nervous System
    8. 13.8 Circulation and the Central Nervous System
    9. 13.9 The Peripheral Nervous System
    10. 13.10 Sensory Perception
    11. 13.11 Central Processing
    12. 13.12 Motor Responses
  21. Endocrine System
    1. 14.1 An Overview of the Endocrine System
    2. 14.2 Hormones
    3. 14.3 The Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus
    4. 14.4 The Thyroid Gland
    5. 14.5 The Parathyroid Glands
    6. 14.6 The Adrenal Glands
    7. 14.7 The Pineal Gland
    8. 14.8 Gonadal and Placental Hormones
    9. 14.9 The Endocrine Pancreas
    10. 14.10 Organs with Secondary Endocrine Functions
    11. 14.11 Development and Ageing of the Endocrine System
  22. Reproductive System
    1. 15.1 Anatomy and Physiology of the Male Reproductive System
    2. 15.2 Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Reproductive System
    3. 15.3 Development of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems
  23. Pregnancy and Human Development
    1. 16.1 Fertilisation
    2. 16.2 Embryonic Development
    3. 16.3 Foetal Development
  24. Urinary System
    1. 17.1 Physical Characteristics of Urine
    2. 17.2 Gross Anatomy of Urine Transport
    3. 17.3 Gross Anatomy of the Kidney
    4. 17.4 Microscopic Anatomy of the Kidney
    5. 17.5 Physiology of Urine Formation
    6. 17.6 Tubular Reabsorption
    7. 17.7 Regulation of Renal Blood Flow
    8. 17.8 Endocrine Regulation of Kidney Function
    9. 17.9 Regulation of Fluid Volume and Composition
    10. 17.10 The Urinary System and Homeostasis
    11. 17.11 Body Fluids and Fluid Compartments
    12. 17.12 Water Balance
    13. 17.13 Electrolyte Balance
    14. 17.14 Acid-Base Balance
    15. 17.15 Disorders of Acid-Base Balance
  25. Appendix A: Unit Measurements and Calculations
  26. Appendix B: Chemical Abbreviations
  27. Glossary
  28. Bibliography

11.6 Classification of Joints

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

  • Distinguish between the functional and structural classifications for joints
  • Describe the three functional types of joints and give an example of each
  • List the three types of diarthrodial joints

A joint, also called an articulation, is any place where adjacent bones or bone and cartilage come together (articulate with each other) to form a connection. Joints are classified both structurally and functionally. Structural classifications of joints consider whether the adjacent bones are strongly anchored to each other by fibrous connective tissue or cartilage, or whether the adjacent bones articulate with each other within a fluid-filled space called a joint cavity. Functional classifications describe the degree of movement available between the bones, ranging from immobile, to slightly mobile, to freely moveable joints. The amount of movement available at a particular joint of the body is related to the functional requirements for that joint. Thus, immobile or slightly moveable joints serve to protect internal organs, give stability to the body, and allow for limited body movement. In contrast, freely moveable joints allow for much more extensive movements of the body and limbs.

Structural Classification of Joints

The structural classification of joints is based on whether the articulating surfaces of the adjacent bones are directly connected by fibrous connective tissue or cartilage, or whether the articulating surfaces contact each other within a fluid-filled joint cavity. These differences serve to divide the joints of the body into three structural classifications. A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective tissue. At a cartilaginous joint, the bones are joined by hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage. At a synovial joint, the articulating surfaces of the bones are not directly connected, but instead meet each other within a joint cavity that is filled with a lubricating fluid. Synovial joints allow for free movement between the bones and are the most common joints of the body.

Functional Classification of Joints

The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility found between the adjacent bones. Joints are thus functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, which is a freely moveable joint (arthroun = “to fasten by a joint”). Depending on their location, fibrous joints may be functionally classified as a synarthrosis (immobile joint) or an amphiarthrosis (slightly mobile joint). Cartilaginous joints are also functionally classified as either a synarthrosis or an amphiarthrosis joint. All synovial joints are functionally classified as a diarthrosis joint.

Synarthrosis

An immobile or nearly immobile joint is called a synarthrosis. The immobile nature of these joints provides for a strong union between the articulating bones. This is important at locations where the bones provide protection for internal organs. Examples include sutures, the fibrous joints between the bones of the skull that surround and protect the brain (Figure 11.6.1), and the manubriosternal joint, the cartilaginous joint that unites the manubrium and body of the sternum for protection of the heart.

Suture joints of skull.
Figure 11.6.1. Suture joints of skull. The suture joints of the skull are an example of a synarthrosis, an immobile or essentially immobile joint.

Amphiarthrosis

An amphiarthrosis is a joint that has limited mobility. An example of this type of joint is the cartilaginous joint that unites the bodies of adjacent vertebrae. Filling the gap between the vertebrae is a thick pad of fibrocartilage called an intervertebral disc (Figure 11.6.2). Each intervertebral disc strongly unites the vertebrae but still allows for a limited amount of movement between them. However, the small movements available between adjacent vertebrae can sum together along the length of the vertebral column to provide for large ranges of body movements.

Another example of an amphiarthrosis is the pubic symphysis of the pelvis. This is a cartilaginous joint in which the pubic regions of the right and left hip bones are strongly anchored to each other by fibrocartilage. This joint normally has little mobility. The strength of the pubic symphysis is important in conferring weight-bearing stability to the pelvis.

Intervertebral disc.
Figure 11.6.2. Intervertebral disc. An intervertebral disc unites the bodies of adjacent vertebrae within the vertebral column. Each disc allows for limited movement between the vertebrae and thus functionally forms an amphiarthrosis type of joint. Intervertebral discs are made of fibrocartilage and thereby structurally form a symphysis type of cartilaginous joint.

Diarthrosis

A freely mobile joint is classified as a diarthrosis. These types of joints include all synovial joints of the body, which provide most body movements. Most diarthrotic joints are found in the appendicular skeleton and thus give the limbs a wide range of motion. These joints are divided into three categories, based on the number of axes of motion provided by each. An axis in anatomy is described as the movements in reference to the three anatomical planes: transverse, frontal, and sagittal. Thus, diarthroses are classified as uniaxial (for movement in one plane), biaxial (for movement in two planes), or multiaxial joints (for movement in all three anatomical planes).

A uniaxial joint only allows for a motion in a single plane (around a single axis). The elbow joint, which only allows for bending or straightening, is an example of a uniaxial joint. A biaxial joint allows for motions within two planes. An example of a biaxial joint is a metacarpophalangeal joint (knuckle joint) of the hand. The joint allows for movement along one axis to produce bending or straightening of the finger, and movement along a second axis, which allows for spreading of the fingers away from each other and bringing them together. A joint that allows for the several directions of movement is called a multiaxial joint (polyaxial or triaxial joint). This type of diarthrotic joint allows for movement along three axes (Figure 11.6.3). The shoulder and hip joints are multiaxial joints. They allow the upper or lower limb to move in an anterior-posterior direction and a medial-lateral direction. In addition, the limb can also be rotated around its long axis. This third movement results in rotation of the limb so that its anterior surface is moved either toward or away from the midline of the body.

Multiaxial joint.
Figure 11.6.3. Multiaxial joint. A multiaxial joint, such as the hip joint, allows for three types of movement: anterior-posterior, medial-lateral, and rotational.

Section Review

Structural classifications of the body joints are based on how the bones are held together and articulate with each other. At fibrous joints, the adjacent bones are directly united to each other by fibrous connective tissue. Similarly, at a cartilaginous joint, the adjacent bones are united by cartilage. In contrast, at a synovial joint, the articulating bone surfaces are not directly united to each other but come together within a fluid-filled joint cavity.

The functional classification of body joints is based on the degree of movement found at each joint. A synarthrosis is a joint that is essentially immobile. This type of joint provides for a strong connection between the adjacent bones, which serves to protect internal structures such as the brain or heart. Examples include the fibrous joints of the skull sutures and the cartilaginous manubriosternal joint. A joint that allows for limited movement is an amphiarthrosis. An example is the pubic symphysis of the pelvis, the cartilaginous joint that strongly unites the right and left hip bones of the pelvis. The cartilaginous joints in which vertebrae are united by intervertebral discs provide for small movements between the adjacent vertebrae and are also an amphiarthrosis type of joint. Thus, based on their movement ability, both fibrous and cartilaginous joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or amphiarthrosis.

The most common type of joint is the diarthrosis, which is a freely moveable joint. All synovial joints are functionally classified as diarthroses. A uniaxial diarthrosis, such as the elbow, is a joint that only allows for movement within a single anatomical plane. Joints that allow for movements in two planes are biaxial joints, such as the metacarpophalangeal joints of the fingers. A multiaxial joint, such as the shoulder or hip joint, allows for three planes of motions.

Review Questions

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Critical Thinking Questions

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Click the drop down below to review the terms learned from this chapter.

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11.7 Fibrous Joints
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Anatomy and Physiology
Copyright © 2021 by University of Southern Queensland Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology by University of Southern Queensland is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
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