Your basket is empty!
Articles / Joint Structure as it should be
Joint Structure As It Should Be
Joint Structure & Fixed and semi-movable jointsA joint, or articulation, is where two bones meet.
Joints are classified by their structure or by the way they move. Most joints in the body are synovial joints.
These are versatile, lubricated joints, such as the knee shown here, in which the surfaces in contact slide
over each other easily. Articular cartlidge covers the bone ends, ligaments provide stability and a fibrous capsule encloses the
joint. Surrounding muscles produce movement.
Fixed and semi-movable joints
Not all joints are freely movable.
After growth is complete, the bones of the skull become fixed together by fibrous tissue, forming immovable suture joints.
In the lower leg, the tibia and fibula are stabilised by ligaments that allow only a small amount of movement.
External ligaments
Thickenings of the capsule form these fribrous cords. They stabilize the joint, especially during movement.
Some joints, such as the knee, have internal ligaments for added stability.
Menisei
Pads of cartilage, called menisei are found in the knee. They help the weight-bearing bones to absorb shock.
Articular Cartilage
Where the bone ends are in contact, connective tissue provides a smooth, protective surface for ease of movement.
Synovial fluid
This clear fluid lubricates and nourishes all the tissues inside the joint capsule.
Synovial membrane
Tissue that lines the non-contact surfaces within the joint capsule secretes lubricating synovial fluid.