The question of how many joints there are in the human body is a difficult one to answer because it depends on a number of variables. This includes: Show
In short, there’s no definite answer to this question. The estimated number is between 250 and 350. The human body has three main types of joints. They’re categorized by the movement they allow:
There are six types of freely movable diarthrosis (synovial) joints:
The adult human skeletal system has a complex architecture that includes 206 named bones connected by cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and three types of joints:
Although the actual number of joints in any one person depends on a number of variables, the estimated number is between 250 and 350. Introduction[edit | edit source]Joints, also known as articulations, are a form of connection between bones. They provide stability to the skeletal system as well as allowing for specialized movement. Joints can be classified:
Generally speaking, the greater the range of movement, the higher the risk of injury because the strength of the joint is reduced The two classification schemes correlate:
The 5 minute video outlines the basics. Fibrous Joints[edit | edit source]In fibrous joints (synarthrodial joint) the bones are joined by fibrous tissue, namely dense fibrous connective tissue, and no joint cavity is present. The amount of movement allowed depends on the length of the connective tissue fibers uniting the bones. Although a few are slightly movable, most fibrous joints are immovable. The three types of fibrous joints are sutures, syndesmoses, and gomphoses.
Cartilaginous Joints[edit | edit source]Cartilaginous joints are a type of joint where the bones are entirely joined by cartilage, either hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage. These joints generally allow more movement than fibrous joints but less movement than synovial joints.
Synovial Joints[edit | edit source]The primary purpose of the synovial joint is to prevent friction between the articulating bones of the joint cavity. While all synovial joints are diarthroses, the extent of movement varies among different subtypes and is often limited by the ligaments that connect the bones. Nearly all joints of the limbs and most joints of the body fall into this class. A key structural characteristic for a synovial joint that is not seen at fibrous or cartilaginous joints is the presence of a joint cavity. The joint cavity contains synovial fluid, secreted by the synovial membrane (synovium), which lines the articular capsule. This fluid-filled space is the site at which the articulating surfaces of the bones contact each other. Hyaline cartilage forms the articular cartilage, covering the entire articulating surface of each bone. The articular cartilage and the synovial membrane are continuous. A few synovial joints of the body have a fibrocartilage structure located between the articulating bones. This is called an articular disc, which is generally small and oval-shaped, or a meniscus, which is larger and C-shaped.[1] See Synovial Joint Link for full explaination. Physiotherapy[edit | edit source]Physiotherapists are qualified health care professionals who are experienced at assessing joints of the human body. See links to below conditions for some examples.
References[edit | edit source]
Which bone is the largest found in the foot and is commonly called the heel?The calcaneus (heel bone) is the largest of the tarsal bones in the foot. It lies at the back of the foot (hindfoot) below the three bones that make up the ankle joint.
Which type of suture would the surgeon use for attaching tendon to bone?The tendons are re-attached to the bone. Small rivets (called suture anchors) are often used to help attach the tendon to the bone. The suture anchors can be made of metal or material that dissolves over time, and do not need to be removed.
How many stages are involved in normal osteogenesis?Abstract. The process of bone formation is called osteogenesis or ossification. After progenitor cells form osteoblastic lines, they proceed with three stages of development of cell differentiation, called proliferation, maturation of matrix, and mineralization.
Which of the following means a partial separation or dislocation of a joint without any break in the skin?If the joint is partially dislocated, it is called a subluxation. Dislocations can be very painful and cause the affected joint area to be unsteady or immobile (unable to move).
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