A3- joints

• where two or more bones meet • this is known as ‘articulation ‘ • the human body contains approximately 350 joints which are broken into classifications depending on their range of movement and structure

• thoracic vertebrae joint • wrist joint • shoulder joint • elbow joint • cervical vertebrae joint

• sacrum joint • ankle joint • hip joint • knee joint • coccyx joint • lumbar joint

• fibrous/ immovable joint • cartilaginous/ slightly movable joints • synovial/ freely movable joints

• these joints do not move • fixed joints form when the bones interlock and overlap during early childhood • these are held together by bands of tough, fibrous tissue and are very strong • cranium = more than 1 bone, numerous bones fused together

• these allow slight movement • the ends of the bone are covered in a smooth, shiny covering known as ‘articular’ or ‘hyaline’ cartilage (this is to reduce friction) • the bones are separated by pads of fibre-cartilage which are able to absorb immense force • vertebrae are able to move as these pads compress

• these have a very high level of mobility and are vital to all sporting movements (most joints in the body are synovial) • a synovial joint has 2 bones, the ends of which are covered in articular cartilage which allows the movement with friction • they will always have a synovial cavity (space between the bones) and surrounded by a capsule (filled with synovial fluid) , a little bit like a bubble • synovial fluids lubricates and nourishes the joint • the joint capsule is held together by strong ligaments • these ligaments avoid dislocations while being flexible enough to allow a wide range of movement

• an outer sleeve to help hold the bones in place and protect the joint • this capsule will also contain the main structure of the joint

• a small fluid filled sac which provides a cushion between the tendons and the bones, preventing friction (filled with synovial fluid)

• on the ends of the bones that provide a smooth and slippery covering to stop bones rubbing/grinding together

• the capsule lining that releases synovial fluid

• a thick liquid that lubricates the joint and reduces friction between the bones • synovial fluid also provides nutrients to articular cartilage

• hold the bones together and keep them in place

• allow movement in one direction only (like a hinge on a door) • elbow and knee are typical examples • exercise examples = running or a bicep curl

hinge, ball and socket, condyloid, gliding, pivot and saddle

• round end of the bone fits into the cup shaped socket in the other bone, allowing movement in all directions • hip and shoulder • exercise example = throwing a ball

• also known as ‘ellipsoidal’ joints • similar to ball and socket in which a ‘bump’ (condyle) on one bone sits in the hollow formed by another • movement is backwards and forwards, and side to side (ligaments prevent rotation) -wrist • exercise example = dribbling or bouncing a ball in basketball, movement comes from the wrist

• this joint allows movement over a flat surface in all directions • however this movement is restricted by ligaments • carpals/ tarsals • exercise example = jump in netball (pointing toes)

• a circular bones fits over a peg of another bone (allowing controlled rotational movement) • atlas, axis (neck) • exercise example = turning your head in any sport

• similar to a condyloid joint (but the surfaces are concave and convex) • the joint is shaped like a saddle, with the other bone resting on it like a rider on a horse • movement occurs backwards and forwards, and from side to side • base of the thumb • exercise example = gripping a racket in tennis

• hip • elbow • ankle • wrist • shoulder • knee

• tendons • ligaments • skin • muscle • fat

• the range of movement around a joint or a group of joints

• factors including age • due to the tension of the supporting tissues (tendons) and the muscles that surround the joint, as well as the soft tissues around the joint