The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints are the connections between the metatarsal bones of the foot and the proximal phalanges of the toes. These joints play a crucial role in weight-bearing, balance, and movement, especially during walking, running, and jumping. Dorsal collateral ligaments and extensor tendons strengthen the joint capsule surrounding these synovial joints. The first MTP…
Introduction Costochondral joints are the cartilaginous connections between the ribs and the costal cartilage in the front of the ribcage. These joints provide flexibility and support for breathing movements. They are synchondroses, meaning they are immobile and composed of hyaline cartilage. Injuries or inflammation in these joints can lead to costochondritis, a common cause of…
The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints are the knuckle joints where the metacarpal bones of the hand meet the proximal phalanges of the fingers. These synovial joints allow flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and limited rotation, enabling fine motor movements. They are supported by collateral ligaments, the volar plate, and the extensor hood, contributing to joint stability and…
The intercarpal joints are synovial plane joints located between the carpal bones of the wrist. They allow for small gliding movements, contributing to the flexibility and overall motion of the wrist. These joints are reinforced by ligaments, including the dorsal, palmar, and interosseous ligaments, which provide stability. The midcarpal joint, between the proximal and distal…
The costovertebral joints are synovial joints that connect the ribs to the thoracic vertebrae. Each rib articulates with the vertebral body at two points: the costocorporeal joint (between the rib head and the vertebral bodies) and the costotransverse joint (between the rib tubercle and the transverse process). These joints facilitate rib movement during respiration and…
The hand’s interphalangeal joints are the hinge joints that allow flexion in the direction of the palm between the finger phalanges. Introduction The hand’s interphalangeal joints are synovial hinge joints connecting the proximal, middle, and distal phalanges. These joints can be categorized into digits 2–5 according to the bones involved. The middle and distal phalanges…
Three intervertebral joints connect each neighboring vertebra from the axis to the sacrum: two between the facets of adjacent vertebral arches and one between the vertebral bodies (zygapophysial joints, also known as facet joints). Introduction The intervertebral joints join the vertebrae of the vertebral column which are closely nearby. Three distinct joints make up each intervertebral joint: two zygapophyseal (facet) joints and one intervertebral disc joint (intervertebral symphysis). Articular surfaces The intervertebral symphyses, or intervertebral disc joints, go from the C2 to the S1 vertebral levels. Adjacent vertebral…
The proximal radioulnar articulation, sometimes referred to as the proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ), is a synovial pivot joint that occurs between the ring created by the annular ligament and the radial notch of the ulna and the circumference of the radius head. Introduction A synovial joint that joins the proximal ends of the radius and…
The facet joints, which are a group of synovial, plane joints between the articular processes of two neighboring vertebrae, are also known as zygapophysial joints, zygapophyseal, apophyseal, or Z-joints. Each spinal motion segment has two facet joints, and the recurrent meningeal nerves innervate each facet joint. Introduction This synovial connection, called the apophyseal or zygapophyseal…
The atlantoaxial joint is in the upper neck region between the first and second cervical vertebrae or the atlas and axis bones. The joint is essential. The synovial joint known as the atlantoaxial joint is categorized as a uniaxial pivot joint. It is classified as a pivot joint since it comprises a centrally located bony…
