The study of how joints are constructed and how they function to allow movement.
Anatomy of Joints: This topic involves studying the different types of joints, their structure, and the components that make up a joint.
Biomechanics and Kinesiology: Understanding the principles of biomechanics and kinesiology is essential to learn how joints move, how they are affected by external forces, and the various factors that affect joint function.
Joint Kinematics: The study of joint kinematics involves analyzing the motion of joints, including their range of motion, velocity, and acceleration.
Joint Forces: It is essential to understand the various forces acting on joints and how they affect joint stability, movement, and function.
Joint Articulations: This topic involves studying the surfaces of joints, how they move against one another, and how joint surfaces can be affected by various factors.
Muscles and Joint Function: Understanding how muscles work together to control joint movement and stability is critical to the study of joint structure and function.
Joint Pathology and Injury: Learning about the different types of joint pathologies and injuries will help you understand joint dysfunction and how to treat it.
Joint Replacement: This topic involves studying the surgical interventions used to replace damaged or dysfunctional joints, such as hip or knee replacements.
Joint Rehabilitation: Understanding the principles of joint rehabilitation will help you design effective rehabilitation programs for joint injuries or surgeries.
Joint Assessment: This topic involves learning how to assess joint function, identify joint pathologies, and determine appropriate treatment plans.
Pivot Joint: This type of joint allows movement in one direction only, like a door hinge. It is found in the neck and the radius-ulna joint of the forearm.
Hinge Joint: This type of joint allows movement in one plane only, like a door hinge. It is found in the elbow, knee, and ankle.
Ball-and-Socket Joint: This type of joint allows for the greatest range of movement. It is found in the shoulder and hip.
Saddle Joint: This is a type of joint where the surfaces are convex and concave in shape (like a saddle) and they fit together, allowing movement in two planes. It is found in the thumb.
Ellipsoidal Joint: This type of joint allows movement in two planes, like the saddle joint. It is found in the wrist.
Gliding Joint: This type of joint allows limited movement in all directions. It is found in the joints between the vertebrae and the wrist.
Condyloid Joint: This type of joint allows movement in two planes, like the ellipsoidal joint. It is found in the jaw.
Fixed Joint: This type of joint allows no movement. It is found in the skull where the bones are fused together.
Fibrous Joint: This type of joint has no cavity between the bones and is held together by fibrous tissue. It is found in the sutures of the skull.
Cartilaginous Joint: This type of joint has no cavity between the bones and is held together by cartilage. It is found in the intervertebral discs of the spine.