Joints are important from the view that they help keep in movement and accommodate the human body. By accommodating we mean, folding – but do not think it as a folding cot or table! If there were no joints in the body, we would be like the stone sculptures that are around us! It is weird to think about something that has life but does not move – not even like a plant!
This classification is based on the structure of the joints and derives its names from the neighboring joint-parts. The joints are broadly classified into three parts based on the following 2 criteria:
1.Whether there is a space in between two bones or the absence of space and,
2.The connective tissue type that surrounds the joint.
Structural Classification
Fibrous Joint: The fibrous tissues are mainly made up of collagen fibers – when bundled together like a steel cable is known as tendon. The fibrous tissues are hence striated due to the obvious origin. They are popularly known as the fibrous connective tissues. Fibrous tissues are hence rich in collagen. These type of joint permits very little or no movement at all.
Fibrous joints are present in the skull and other areas. The fibrous joint is further classified into suture, syndesmose and gomphose.
Cartilaginous Joints: The cartilaginous joints can be detected by the absence of synovial cavity and the fluid. The cartilages are not as dense and hard as the bones. Cartilage is the source of gelatin extraction. The cartilage joint is characterized by a wobbly surface. Two bones are held together as such by the cartilage.
One of the main areas where you can actually feel the cartilage is your external ear and nose. There are 2 types of the cartilaginous joint – synchondrose and symphyse.
Synovial Joint: The synovial joint derives its name from the fluid with fills the synovial cavity. The bones are irregularly but densely connected by muscle fibers or connective tissues. Such connective tissues are from the articular capsule; sometimes are accompanied by the ligaments – like the knee joint.
The synovial cavity is a peculiar area which can be best described as a gap between the two bone ends and is filled with a lubricating fluid – the synovial fluid.
The fluid helps maintain flexible and easy movement of the joints and keeps the connective tissues supple. A cartilage covers the gap but does not stick and rigidly hold the joint in place, rather ‘floats'. The cartilage reduces friction between joints.
Joints are there to provide a mechanical support as well as strength to the body. The human anatomy is designed so meticulously like no other animal or plant. The joints are the basis of the immense functionality in the human body.
This classification is based on the structure of the joints and derives its names from the neighboring joint-parts. The joints are broadly classified into three parts based on the following 2 criteria:
1.Whether there is a space in between two bones or the absence of space and,
2.The connective tissue type that surrounds the joint.
Structural Classification
Fibrous Joint: The fibrous tissues are mainly made up of collagen fibers – when bundled together like a steel cable is known as tendon. The fibrous tissues are hence striated due to the obvious origin. They are popularly known as the fibrous connective tissues. Fibrous tissues are hence rich in collagen. These type of joint permits very little or no movement at all.
Fibrous joints are present in the skull and other areas. The fibrous joint is further classified into suture, syndesmose and gomphose.
Cartilaginous Joints: The cartilaginous joints can be detected by the absence of synovial cavity and the fluid. The cartilages are not as dense and hard as the bones. Cartilage is the source of gelatin extraction. The cartilage joint is characterized by a wobbly surface. Two bones are held together as such by the cartilage.
One of the main areas where you can actually feel the cartilage is your external ear and nose. There are 2 types of the cartilaginous joint – synchondrose and symphyse.
Synovial Joint: The synovial joint derives its name from the fluid with fills the synovial cavity. The bones are irregularly but densely connected by muscle fibers or connective tissues. Such connective tissues are from the articular capsule; sometimes are accompanied by the ligaments – like the knee joint.
The synovial cavity is a peculiar area which can be best described as a gap between the two bone ends and is filled with a lubricating fluid – the synovial fluid.
The fluid helps maintain flexible and easy movement of the joints and keeps the connective tissues supple. A cartilage covers the gap but does not stick and rigidly hold the joint in place, rather ‘floats'. The cartilage reduces friction between joints.
Joints are there to provide a mechanical support as well as strength to the body. The human anatomy is designed so meticulously like no other animal or plant. The joints are the basis of the immense functionality in the human body.