Read the section on the classification of joints (p. 253).

• Those huge, unpronounceable words? They’re very important. Break out those flashcards!

Read the section on fibrous joints (pp. 253-254).

• I don’t use the term synostosis (p. 253). Suture is fine.
• In class, I stick to the same examples that the textbook uses.
• Marieb Fig. 8.1 is nice, but not essential.

Read the section on cartilaginous joints (p. 255).

• Another brief section, but long on vocabulary. (That’s the only tough part about articulations.)
• In terms of the examples provided:
  • We saw an example of a symphysis when we covered the pelvis.
  • There aren’t many examples of synchondroses in the body.
    • The cartilage at the epiphyseal plate of growing bones is one example.
    • Also, the cartilage between the first pair of ribs and the sternum is a synchondrosis. Please keep in mind that the joints between the other ribs and the sternum are not technically synchondroses (they’re synovial joints because they contain joint cavities); only between rib 1 and the sternum!
    • All of the joints in the body are shown in Marieb Table 8.2a, 8.2b, and 8.3c. It’s a handy reference if you want to look up specific joints.

Read the section on synovial joints up through the movements (pp. 255-259).

• In class, I don’t distinguish between the capsular, extracapsular, and intracapsular ligaments, so don’t worry about the differences between them. Just know what type of tissue comprises ligaments (dense regular connective tissue) and what they do (stabilize and strengthen joints by connecting the two articulating bones).
• I also don’t cover the fatty pads or menisci (last paragraph under reinforcing ligaments).
• You should understand the material covered in Marieb Fig. 8.3a.
• See video clip – Synovial Joint Structure.
  • This clip uses the knee as its example. Keep in mind that the knee has some modifications (due to its heavy use) that you don’t see in all synovial joints. I like the clip because of the fantastic arthroscopic images, though.
• Make sure you understand what bursae and tendon sheaths are, and what their main function is (reducing friction).
  • Think about why you don’t encounter bursae or tendon sheaths with synarthroses.
• Be able to list the three factors that contribute to joint stability.
  • Think about why someone is more apt to dislocate his shoulder than his hip.
• The concept of muscle tone may be a little mysterious to you. It’s covered again in the section on muscle tissue, so you can skip ahead to p. 300 if you want a preview.
  • There’s also a bit on muscle tone in InterActive Physiology.
  • See InterActive Physiology module – Contraction of Motor Units
  • Muscle tone is covered on pp. 8-9.
  • You can use the pull-down menu on the top of the InterActive Physiology window to directly access the relevant pages.

Read the section on body movements, up to (but not including) the special movements (pp. 259-262).

• In class, I don’t use the terminology that the book uses in regard to axial movement (monoaxial, biaxial, and multiaxial). I just think those are unnecessary vocabulary words and that the concept of movement is fairly self-explanatory.
• You need to learn the terms that describe the body movements (gliding, flexion/extension/hyperextension, abduction/adduction, circumduction, and rotation).
  • They will become more important to you when you study the muscles for Lab Exam 2.
  • There’s a worksheet that you can download and print called Extra Help: Body Movements.
  • See animation – Angular Movements (Overview).
    • Don’t worry about the special types of rotation or pronation/supination.
  • This page has several animations of bones performing body movements.
• I don’t cover the special movements at all.

Read the section on the types of synovial joints (pp. 263-265).

• In class, I present this material as a table. Download and print Lecture Art: Types of Synovial Joints.
  • When I test on this material, pretty much everything I’m looking for comes from the table.
• You should also be able to identify the six types of synovial joints on Marieb Fig. 8.7.
• See animation – Types of synovial joints (overview).
• This page has several video clips of X-ray movies (most from the 1950s and 1960s) of different types of synovial joints in action.

Depending on your own level of interest, you may want to read the short section on homeostatic imbalances of joints (p. 272-274).

• This is a brief section that covers topics such as sprains, dislocations, and arthritis.
• If you’re planning on going on in physical education, physical therapy, or radiologic technology, you might find this interesting.
• You are NOT responsible for any of this information for this course, though.