1.2.5 – Active lifestyles and your skeletal system Learning objectives To be able to define a joint To be able to describe the different types of synovial joint and how they are used in various sporting movements To understand the different structures of a joint To be able to describe the difference between cartilage, tendons and ligaments

Joints DEFINITION: “A joint is a place where two or more bones meet” Joints are responsible for the huge range of movement that the body can produce. There are several different types of joint: Image © 2006 Jupiterimages Corporation

Different types of joint: Immovable (or fixed) joints Other joints allow a larger range of movement Synovial joint allow the greatest movement.

Now check out the awesome power of synovial joints when they are used properly.

Types of Synovial Joints Gliding Knee, elbow Ball shaped bone fits into a concave socket Pivot Carpal-metacarpal Condyloid

Synovial joins: In ball and socket joints, the rounded end of a bone fits inside a cup-shaped end. Ball and socket joints allow movement in all directions The most mobile joints in the body are ball and socket joints. Examples: Shoulders and hips. How do these joints help during sport?

Pivot Pivot joints have a ring of bone that fits over a bone sticking out. Pivot joints allow rotation only. e.g. The joint between the atlas and axis in the neck which allows turning and nodding of head How do these joints help during sport?

Hinge joints – only allow forwards and backwards movement. e.g: The knee and elbow. How do these joints help during sport?

Other synovial joint Condyloid joints have an oval-shaped bone end which fits into a similar shape They allow fwd, bwd, left and right movements. e.g: between the metacarpals and phalanges in the hand. Gliding joints have two flat faces of bone that slide over one another. e.g: between the tarsals in the ankle.

What synovial joints are used in the sporting examples below:

Components of a joint Femur Patella Tibia Fibula

Other components of a joint Synovial fluid – lubricates the joint allowing the parts to move freely. Synovial membrane – lines the capsule and produces synovial fluid. Synovial capsule – tough fibre that surrounds the joint. Holds the fluid in place.

Connective tissues: There are 3 types of connective tissue: Tendons connect muscles to bones. Ligaments are tough, elastic fibres that link bones to bones. Cartilage prevents the ends of bones rubbing together at joints.