synovial joint

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synovial joint

A student points to a synovial joint on a diagram of the human knee.

Definition

Noun: A synovial joint is a type of joint in the body that is freely movable. It is characterized by the presence of a synovial cavity filled with fluid, which allows for smooth movement between the bones.

Usage

A synovial joint is the most common and most movable type of joint in the human body. It connects bones with a fibrous joint capsule that is continuous with the periosteum of the joined bones, constitutes the outer boundary of a synovial cavity, and surrounds the bones' articulating surfaces.

Examples
  • The knee is a synovial joint that allows for flexion and extension of the leg.
  • Ball-and-socket joints, like the hip and shoulder, are types of synovial joints that permit a wide range of motion.
  • Arthritis is a disease that often affects synovial joints, causing pain and stiffness.
Advanced Usage
  • Functional Classification: Synovial joints are classified as , meaning they are freely movable joints.
  • Structural Components: Key structures of a typical synovial joint include the articular cartilage, joint cavity (synovial cavity), articular capsule, synovial fluid, and reinforcing ligaments.
Variants and Related Words
  • Diarthrosis (n): A technical synonym for a synovial joint, emphasizing its freely movable nature.
  • Articulation (n): A general term for a joint; a point where two bones meet.
  • Synovial Fluid (n): The viscous fluid within the cavity of a synovial joint, which reduces friction between the articular cartilages.
Synonyms
  • Diarthrosis
  • Freely movable joint
Antonyms
  • Fibrous joint (synarthrosis): An immovable joint, such as the sutures of the skull.
  • Cartilaginous joint (amphiarthrosis): A slightly movable joint, such as the pubic symphysis.
Related Phrases
  • Synovial membrane: The inner lining of the joint capsule that secretes synovial fluid.
  • Joint capsule: The fibrous envelope that surrounds a synovial joint.
synovial joint

A student points to a synovial joint on a diagram of the human knee.

Noun
  1. a joint so articulated as to move freely