| Joints are important from the view that they help keep | | | | fluid. The cartilages are not as dense and hard as the |
| in movement and accommodate the human body. By | | | | bones. Cartilage is the source of gelatin extraction. The |
| accommodating we mean, folding - but do not think it | | | | cartilage joint is characterized by a wobbly surface. |
| as a folding cot or table! If there were no joints in the | | | | Two bones are held together as such by the cartilage. |
| body, we would be like the stone sculptures that are | | | | One of the main areas where you can actually feel |
| around us! It is weird to think about something that has | | | | the cartilage is your external ear and nose. There are |
| life but does not move - not even like a plant! | | | | 2 types of the cartilaginous joint - synchondrose and |
| This classification is based on the structure of the | | | | symphyse. |
| joints and derives its names from the neighboring | | | | Synovial Joint: The synovial joint derives its name from |
| joint-parts. The joints are broadly classified into three | | | | the fluid with fills the synovial cavity. The bones are |
| parts based on the following 2 criteria: | | | | irregularly but densely connected by muscle fibers or |
| 1.Whether there is a space in between two bones or | | | | connective tissues. Such connective tissues are from |
| the absence of space and, | | | | the articular capsule; sometimes are accompanied by |
| 2.The connective tissue type that surrounds the joint. | | | | the ligaments - like the knee joint. |
| Structural Classification | | | | The synovial cavity is a peculiar area which can be |
| Fibrous Joint: The fibrous tissues are mainly made up | | | | best described as a gap between the two bone ends |
| of collagen fibers - when bundled together like a steel | | | | and is filled with a lubricating fluid - the synovial fluid. |
| cable is known as tendon. The fibrous tissues are | | | | The fluid helps maintain flexible and easy movement of |
| hence striated due to the obvious origin. They are | | | | the joints and keeps the connective tissues supple. A |
| popularly known as the fibrous connective tissues. | | | | cartilage covers the gap but does not stick and rigidly |
| Fibrous tissues are hence rich in collagen. These type | | | | hold the joint in place, rather 'floats'. The cartilage |
| of joint permits very little or no movement at all. | | | | reduces friction between joints. |
| Fibrous joints are present in the skull and other areas. | | | | Joints are there to provide a mechanical support as |
| The fibrous joint is further classified into suture, | | | | well as strength to the body. The human anatomy is |
| syndesmose and gomphose. | | | | designed so meticulously like no other animal or plant. |
| Cartilaginous Joints: The cartilaginous joints can be | | | | The joints are the basis of the immense functionality in |
| detected by the absence of synovial cavity and the | | | | the human body. |