Joint Physiology Flashcards
(28 cards)
What are the three main types of joint in the human skeleton?
Synovial
Fibrous
Cartilaginous
Give an example of a synovial joint
Knee joint
Give an example of a cartilaginous joint
Intervertebral disc
Give an example of a fibrous joint
Suture
Does a fibrous joint allow movement?
No
Does a cartilaginous joint allow movement?
Some
Describe a synovial joint
A synovial joint consists of bones separated by a cavity and united by a fibrous capsule
What does the inner aspect of the fibrous capsule contain?
Synovial membrane
What does the synovial membrane produce?
Synovial fluid
Differentiate between simple and compound synovial joints
A simple synovial joint has one pair of articular surfaces, a compound has more than one
Give some extra-articular structures that support joints
Ligament
Bursa
Tendon
What are the role of joints during purposeful motion?
Stress distribution
Stability
Joint lubrication
What are the functions of synovial fluid?
Lubricates joint
Facilitates joint movement
Gives nutrition to articular cartilage and chondrocytes
Removes waste products from chondrocytes
The synovial fluid half-fills the joint cavity. True/false?
False - it fills the joint cavity
What is the normal appearance of synovial fluid?
Clear and colourless
When might the WBC of synovial fluid increase?
Inflammatory and septic arthritis
In what conditions does synovial fluid turn red?
Haemorrhagic arthritis
What are the main functions of articular cartilage?
Prevent wear and tear
Distribute pressure
Articular cartilage consists of what zones?
Superficial
Middle
Deep
Calcified
Articular cartilage has a special extracellular matrix. Name the componets of the ECM
Water
Collagen
Proteoglycans
What is the function of the water in the ECM?
Maintain resiliency of tissue and contribute to nutrition
What is the function of collagen in ECM?
Provide tensile stiffness and strength
What is the function of proteoglycan in ECM?
Load bearing
What maintains the ECM of articular cartilage?
Chondrocytes
