FEATURES OF MAJOR JOINTS 

©David B. Fankhauser, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology and Chemistry
University of Cincinnati Clermont College,
Batavia OH 45103
 

This page has been accessed Counter times since 29 October 2002. 
12 November 1992, rvsd 20 Sept 94, 12 Sept 96, 14 Nov 96, 15 Sept 99, 19 Nov 99, 19 Sept 00
 

Examine the models provided and identify the following features of these joints. Articulated joints will be brought in from a local butcher, and you should identify these features on them and illustrate the specimen. Note that wordstems will help you tremendously in locating and understanding the connections these features make.
 

SYNOVIAL JOINT FEATURES:

These are common to all synovial joints: (Martini's 5th, p 248)
 

synovial capsule A collagenous structure which encloses, supports and protects the joint.
It often incorporates ligaments into its walls.
synovial membrane Forms the inner lining of capsule, secretes synovial fluid
articular cartilage Hyaline cartilage padding on the articulating surfaces of joined bones
synovial fluid A lubricating, nourishing fluid rich in mucopolysaccharide. Contained within the capsule.  

Illustrate each joint from the perspective specified, label features you can see:
 

SHOULDER (glenohumeral): (lateral view) (Martini's 5th, p 258-259)
clavicle, scapula, humerus
glenohumeral ligament
coracohumeral ligament (not on model)
glenoid labrum (hidden on model)
transverse humeral ligament
tendon of long head biceps brachii
musculotendinous cuff (not on model)
  ELBOW: (superior, anterior view)  (Martini's 5th, p 260)

humerus, ulna, radius
radial (or lateral) collateral ligament
lateral epicondyle 
annular ligament and ulnar notch
ulnar (or medial) collateral ligament
medial epicondyle
coronoid process
tendon of triceps (not on model)
   KNEE JOINT: (lateral view)  (Martini's 5th, pp 261-263)

femur, patella, tibia, fibula
lateral collateral ligament
medial collateral ligament
anterior cruciate ligament
posterior cruciate ligament
popliteal ligaments
patellar ligament
lateral meniscus
medial meniscus
   HIP JOINT: (Martini's 5th, p 266-261) 

two views, anterior and posterior:
capsule strengthened by these ligaments:

anteriorly:
iliofemoral
pubocapsular (or pubofemoral)

posteriorly:
ischiocapsular (or ischiofemoral)
ligamentum teres ties femur to os coxa
acetabular labrum lip of cartilage