STUDY GUIDE-JOINTS
INTRODUCTION
I. A joint (articulation or arthrosis) is a point of contact between two or more bones, between cartilage
and bones, or between teeth and bones.
A. The scientific study of joints is called arthrology.
B. The scientific study of motion is called kinesiology.
II. JOINT CLASSIFICATION
A. Structural classification is based on the presence or absence of a synovial (joint) cavity and
type of connecting tissue. Structurally, joints are classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or
synovial.
B. Functional classification of joints is based on the degree of movement permitted. Joints may
be synarthroses (immovable), amphiarthroses (partially movable), or diarthroses (freely
movable).
III. FIBROUS JOINTS
A. Fibrous joints lack a synovial cavity, have the articulating bones held together by fibrous
connective tissue, and permit little or no movement.
B. Types of fibrous joints include sutures, syndesmoses, and interosseous membranes.
1. A suture is a fibrous joint composed of a thin layer of dense fibrous connective tissue
that unites skull bones.
2. A synostosis is a suture joint that has ossified. An example of a synostosis is the
frontal suture between the left and right sides of the frontal bone.
a. A synostosis is functionally classified as a synarthrosis.
3. A syndesmosis is a fibrous joint in which there is more fibrous connective tissue than
in a suture.
a. A gomphosis is a fibrous syndesmoses joint in which a cone-shaped peg fits
into a socket, allowing no movement. An example is the root of a tooth in its
socket.
b. Another example of a syndesmoses is the distal tibiofibular ligament, which
permits some movement.
