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Joints

Joints

Joints, also called articulations or articular surfaces, are points at which ligaments or other tissues connect adjacent bones. Joints permit movement and stability, and can be classified based on their structure or function.
Structural joint classifications are based on the material that makes up the joint as well as whether or not the joint contains a space between the bones. Joints are structurally classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Fibrous Joints Are Immovable
The bones of a...

Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue

Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue

Chondrocytes form a temporary cartilaginous model by dividing and secreting a thick gel-like extracellular matrix. Once the chondrocytes undergo programmed cell death, osteoblasts enter the site of the cartilaginous model. The process of replacing the temporary cartilaginous model with bone in an ordered manner is called endochondral ossification. In endochondral ossification, not all of the cartilage is replaced by bone tissue. Some cartilage that performs a protective and supportive function...

Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints

Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints

As the name indicates, at a cartilaginous joint, the adjacent bones are united by cartilage, a tough but flexible type of connective tissue. Unlike synovial joints, these types of joints lack a joint cavity and involve bones joined together by either hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage.
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary or...

Structural Joints: Synovial Joints

Structural Joints: Synovial Joints

Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body. A key structural characteristic for a synovial joint is the presence of a joint cavity. This fluid-filled space is where the articulating surfaces of the bones contact each other. Also, unlike fibrous or cartilaginous joints, the articulating bone surfaces at a synovial joint are not directly connected to each other with fibrous connective tissue or cartilage. This gives the bones of a synovial joint the ability to move smoothly...

Development of the Limb Synovial Joints

Development of the Limb Synovial Joints

Joints form during embryonic development in conjunction with the formation and growth of the associated bones. The embryonic tissue that gives rise to all bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of the body is called mesenchyme.
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...

Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction

Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction

Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 23, 2026

A 3D System for Culturing Human Articular Chondrocytes in Synovial Fluid

A 3D System for Culturing Human Articular Chondrocytes in Synovial Fluid

Published on: January 31, 2012

Cartilage degeneration in different human joints.

K E Kuettner¹, A A Cole

¹Department of Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

|February 8, 2005

Summary

Ankle cartilage exhibits unique metabolic and biochemical properties, including higher proteoglycan content and synthesis rates, potentially offering greater protection against degeneration compared to knee cartilage.

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Biomechanics
Orthopedics

Background:

Joint degeneration varies significantly between different joints.
Metabolic, biochemical, and biomechanical factors influence joint degeneration rates.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the metabolic, biochemical, and biomechanical differences between ankle and knee cartilage.
To understand how these differences may explain variations in joint degeneration.

Main Methods:

Comparative analysis of cartilage composition (proteoglycans, water content).
Assessment of proteoglycan turnover and synthesis rates.
Evaluation of chondrocyte response to catabolic factors (interleukin-1, fibronectin fragments).
Examination of underlying bone responses to degenerative changes.

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Real-time Visualization and Analysis of Chondrocyte Injury Due to Mechanical Loading in Fully Intact Murine Cartilage Explants

Real-time Visualization and Analysis of Chondrocyte Injury Due to Mechanical Loading in Fully Intact Murine Cartilage Explants

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Establishment and Evaluation of a Sheep Model of Full-thickness Osteochondral Defect

Establishment and Evaluation of a Sheep Model of Full-thickness Osteochondral Defect

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A 3D System for Culturing Human Articular Chondrocytes in Synovial Fluid

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Real-time Visualization and Analysis of Chondrocyte Injury Due to Mechanical Loading in Fully Intact Murine Cartilage Explants

Real-time Visualization and Analysis of Chondrocyte Injury Due to Mechanical Loading in Fully Intact Murine Cartilage Explants

Published on: January 7, 2019

Establishment and Evaluation of a Sheep Model of Full-thickness Osteochondral Defect

Establishment and Evaluation of a Sheep Model of Full-thickness Osteochondral Defect

Published on: April 14, 2026

Main Results:

Ankle cartilage has higher proteoglycan and water content than knee cartilage.
Ankle cartilage exhibits increased proteoglycan turnover and synthesis rates.
Ankle chondrocytes show reduced responsiveness to catabolic factors and a higher synthesis rate post-damage, suggesting greater repair capacity.
Underlying bones also display differential responses to degeneration.

Conclusions:

Metabolic, biochemical, and biomechanical differences between ankle and knee cartilage contribute to variations in degeneration.
These distinct characteristics may offer protective advantages to the ankle joint.