Articulations

Articulations

After studying this chapter, readers should be able to:

1. Define joints (articulations).

2. Classify joints by structure and function.

3. Describe the structures of synovial joints.

4. Name six types of synovial joints.

5. Name and describe common body movements.

6. Name the most common joint injuries.

7. Compare and contrast the common types of arthritis.

8. List the ligaments that accompany the knee joints.

9. Compare gliding and angular movements.

10. Describe the causes and complications of Lyme disease.

Overview

Joints, also referred to as articulations, act as junctions between bones and vary widely in structure and function. They are classified both as to how they move and according to the types of tissue that binds bones together at the joint. The two primary functions of joints are to hold the skeleton together (which offers a certain amount of protection) and to make the skel-eton mobile. However, they are the weakest compo-nents of the skeleton. They resist tearing, crushing, and other forces that are able to force them out of alignment.