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Related Concept Videos

Introduction to Joints00:58

Introduction to Joints

The adult human body usually has 206 bones, and except for the hyoid bone in the neck, each bone is connected to at least one other bone. Joints are the location where bones come together. Many joints allow for movement between the bones. At these joints, the articulating surfaces of the adjacent bones can move smoothly against each other. However, the bones of other joints may be joined by connective tissue or cartilage. These joints are designed for stability and provide little or no movement.
Structural Joints: Synovial Joints01:16

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...
Structural Classification of Joints01:20

Structural Classification of Joints

Joints, also known as articulations, are classified based on their structural characteristics, i.e., based on whether the articulating surfaces of the adjacent bones are directly connected by fibrous connective tissue or cartilage, or whether the articulating surfaces contact each other within a fluid-filled joint cavity. These differences serve to divide the joints of the body into three structural classifications.
A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective...
Functional Classification of Joints01:09

Functional Classification of Joints

Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses  or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An immobile...
Joints01:26

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...
Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints01:17

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Automated Joint Space Detection Improves Bone Segmentation Accuracy
06:45

Automated Joint Space Detection Improves Bone Segmentation Accuracy

Published on: November 28, 2025

Some remarks concerning basic anatomy of joints.

B Ciszek1, W Glinkowski

  • 1Zakład Anatomii Centrum Biostruktury, Akademia Medyczna, Warszawa.

Ortopedia, Traumatologia, Rehabilitacja
|November 7, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Classic anatomical descriptions require updates to align with physiological and functional observations in clinical practice. This study examines basic anatomical knowledge of diarthrodial joints for medical relevance.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Clinical disciplines frequently require revisions to standard anatomical descriptions.
  • Existing anatomical terminology may not always align with current physiological and functional understanding.
  • However, most anatomical terms remain clear and applicable across medical fields.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the need for revised anatomical descriptions in clinical practice.
  • To reconcile classic anatomical terminology with physiological and functional observations.
  • To provide remarks on the fundamental anatomical knowledge of diarthrodial joints.

Main Methods:

  • Review of classic anatomical descriptions.
  • Comparison with physiological and functional observations.

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A Pre-Clinical Model of Synovitis Using Ex vivo Human Synovial Tissue with Preserved Function and Architecture
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A Pre-Clinical Model of Synovitis Using Ex vivo Human Synovial Tissue with Preserved Function and Architecture

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  • Analysis of anatomical nomenclature for diarthrodial joints.

    • Main Results:

    • Identified discrepancies between traditional anatomical descriptions and clinical observations.
    • Confirmed the general validity of most anatomical terms.
    • Highlighted areas within diarthrodial joint anatomy needing clarification.

    Conclusions:

    • Anatomical descriptions necessitate adaptation for clinical relevance.
    • Diarthrodial joint anatomy requires careful consideration for accurate physiological and functional application.
    • Standard anatomical nomenclature provides a solid foundation but requires contextual interpretation.