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Understanding Joints in Anatomy and Physiology

Feb 27, 2025

Professor Long's Anatomy and Physiology Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Lectures are part of Professor Bob Long's Anatomy and Physiology course at Del Mar College.
  • Videos intended to aid enrolled students but others may benefit.
  • Focus is on understanding rather than memorizing vast information.
  • Current topic in the series is the skeletal system.

Previous Topics Covered

  • Shapes and functions of bones.
  • Types of ossification.
  • Bone growth in length and diameter.
  • Fractures and repair.
  • Effects of nutrition, exercise, and hormones on bones.

Current Topic: Articulations (Chapter 9)

  • Articulation: A joint where two or more bones come together.
  • Arthro prefix: Refers to joints (e.g., arthritis).
  • Joints categorized by function and structure.

Functional Classification of Joints

  1. Synarthrosis

    • Little or no movement.
    • Examples: Sutures of the skull, os coxae.
  2. Amphiarthrosis

    • Some movement; "wiggle" joints.
    • Examples: Tibiofibular joint, AC joint.
  3. Diarthrosis

    • Freely movable joints.
    • Examples: Fingers, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knees, ankles.

Structural Classification of Joints

  • Synarthroses Subtypes

    • Fibrous Connection: Gomphosis (periodontal ligament).
    • Cartilaginous Connection: Synchondrosis (hyaline cartilage), e.g., rib-sternum junction.
    • Bony Fusion: Synostosis; e.g., skull sutures.
  • Amphiarthroses Subtypes

    • Fibrous Connection: Syndesmosis, e.g., tib-fib joint.
    • Cartilaginous Connection: Symphysis (fibrocartilage), e.g., pubic symphysis.
  • Diarthroses (Synovial Joints) Subtypes

    • Ball and Socket: Shoulder (glenohumeral joint), hip (acetabulofemoral joint).
    • Pivot Joint: C1-C2 (atlantoaxial joint), radiohumeral joint.
    • Condyloid (Cam) Joint: TMJ, femorotibial joint, MP joints.
    • Saddle Joint: First carpometacarpal joint.
    • Gliding Joint: AC joint, TMJ.
    • Hinge Joint: Elbow (humeroulnar joint), knee, mandible.

Joint Movement

  • Movement Axes
    • Monoaxial: Movement in one axis.
    • Biaxial: Movement in two axes.
    • Triaxial: Movement in three or more axes.
  • Examples of Movement
    • Flexion and extension in hinge joints.
    • Rotation in pivot joints.
    • Complex movements in ball-and-socket joints.

Additional Information

  • Importance of maintaining range of motion in joints.
  • Practical applications for physical therapy and related fields.
  • Encouragement to review textbook and visuals for deeper understanding.

Conclusion

  • Next steps involve further understanding joint classifications and functions.
  • Encouragement to participate in additional videos for comprehensive understanding.