12. Joints

Question 1

Purpose of joints

Answer 1

To allow movement by connecting bone to bone via ligaments

Question 2

Structures within a joint

Answer 2

Bones, ligaments, capsule, cartilage, bursae, meniscus

Question 3

Function of ligaments

Answer 3

To connect bone to bone

Question 4

Structure of ligament

Answer 4

A band of strong fibrous tissue

Question 5

What is A?

Answer 5

Articular cartilage

Question 6

Function of articular cartilage

Answer 6

To absorb shock and prevent friction between bones

Question 7

Structure of articular cartilage

Answer 7

Glassy-smooth cartilage that is spongy and covers the ends of bones in the joint

Question 8

Function of meniscus

Answer 8

To increase stability of joint and reducing wear and tear on joint surfaces.

Question 9

Structure of Meniscus

Answer 9

A wedge of white fibrocartilage that improves the fit between adjacent bone ends

Question 10

Function of pads of fat

Answer 10

To provide cushioning between the fibrous capsule and a bone or muscle.

Question 11

What is B?

Answer 11

Joint capsule

Question 12

What is X?

Answer 12

Bursa

Question 13

What is C?

Answer 13

Ligament

Question 14

What is W?

Answer 14

Meniscus

Question 15

Function of synovial fluid

Answer 15

To reduce friction between articular cartilage

Question 16

Structure of synovial fluid

Answer 16

A slippery fluid that is contained within the joint cavity

Question 17

Function of bursa

Answer 17

To prevent friction at sites in the body where ligaments, muscles, tendons or bones might rub together.

Question 18

Structure of bursa

Answer 18

A flattened fibrous sac lined with synovial fluid

Question 19

Function of joint capsule

Answer 19

Helps to strengthen the joint, and synovial membrane secretes synovial fluid and lines the joint

Question 20

Structure of joint capsule

Answer 20

Tough fibrous tissue with two layers: fibrous capsule lies outside synovial membrane