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Introduction to Joints

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.

Knee Joint

Knee Joint

The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
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Articulations of the Vertebral Column

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Kinematic Equations for Rotation

Kinematic Equations for Rotation

In mechanics, when one observes a rigid body in rotational motion with constant angular acceleration, it is possible to establish equations for its rotational kinematics. This process resembles how linear kinematics are dealt with in simpler motion studies.
For instance, imagine a point A on a rigid body engaged in circular motion. The translational velocity of this particular point can be calculated by taking the time derivatives of the displacement equation, which essentially measures the...

Functional Classification of Joints

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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
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

A Morphometric and Cellular Analysis Method for the Murine Mandibular Condyle

A Morphometric and Cellular Analysis Method for the Murine Mandibular Condyle

Published on: January 11, 2018

Relationship between kinematic center and TMJ anatomy and function.

L M Gallo¹, D B Gössi, V Colombo

¹Center for Oral Medicine, Dental and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, University of Zürich, Plattenstrasse 11, CH-8032 Zürich, Switzerland. luigi@zui.uzh.ch

Journal of Dental Research

|July 25, 2008

Summary

The kinematic center (KC) for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) movements is not anatomically fixed nor does it consistently reflect joint distances. This challenges its proposed significance as a reference point for TMJ analysis.

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A Morphometric and Cellular Analysis Method for the Murine Mandibular Condyle

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Area of Science:

Biomechanics
Orthodontics
Dental Anatomy

Background:

The kinematic center (KC) is a proposed reference point for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) movements, defined by coinciding jaw opening/closing and protrusion/retrusion trajectories.
Its anatomical location and functional relevance in representing intra-articular distances require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine if the KC occupies a specific anatomical location within the TMJ.
To assess whether the KC's trajectory accurately reflects intra-articular distances during jaw movements.

Main Methods:

Dynamic stereometry was used to track jaw movements in 11 asymptomatic individuals.
A 3D lattice was constructed around each condyle to identify the KC as the point of maximal cross-correlation between different movement paths.

Main Results:

KC trajectories were more cranial during jaw closing than opening, suggesting smaller intra-articular distances during closing.
KCs were not located on condylar main axes (4.5 +/- 2.9 mm) or points approximating fossa shapes (12.5 +/- 6.4 mm).

Conclusions:

The anatomical location and functional significance of the kinematic center (KC) in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) movement analysis are questionable.
The KC's position does not consistently align with key anatomical landmarks or accurately represent intra-articular distances.