Dance Anatomy & Kinesiology

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TABLE 1.3 Types of Joints

Examples Description

Fibrous joints

In fibrous joints, articulating

bones are joined directly with

fibrous tissue and there is no

intervening joint space. Sutures

of the skull are examples of

fibrous joints utilizing very short

fibers such that almost no

movement is allowed. Interosseus

membranes are examples of

fibrous joints utilizing longer fibers

such that very slight movement

is allowed. In the case of the

middle tibiofibular joint, this slight

movement accompanies changes

in positioning of the ankle-foot

complex and is essential for

optimal biomechanics.

Cartilaginous joints

In cartilaginous joints,

articulating bones are joined

directly by either hyaline or

fibrocartilage. The epiphyseal

plates connecting the epiphyses

and diaphysis of long bones are

examples of cartilaginous joints

involving hyaline cartilage. This

arrangement allows “give” but no

real movement, and with maturity

these “growth plates” ossify

with cartilage being replaced by

bone. The intervertebral discs are

examples of cartilaginous joints

utilizing discs of fibrocartilage.

This design allows more movement

and essential shock absorption.

Synovial joints

In synovial joints, the articulating

bones are not directly joined, but

rather are separated by a joint

cavity that contains synovial fluid.

A joint capsule and ligaments

help hold the bones together.

This design facilitates movement,

and these joints are essential

for functional movements of the

limbs. There are six types of

synovial joints that differ in terms

of the movements they allow.

The knee joint is an example of a

synovial joint that is considered a

modified hinge joint and primarily

allows motion in one plane and

around one axis.