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Classification
Depiction of an intervertebral disk, a cartilaginous joint.
Diagram of a synovial (diarthrosis) joint.
Joints are mainly classified structurally and functionally. Structural classification is determined by how the bones connect to each other, while functional classification is determined by the degree of movement between the articulating bones. In practice, there is significant overlap between the two types of classifications.
Terms ending in the suffix -sis are singular and refer to just one joint, while -ses is the suffix for pluralization.
Structural classification (binding tissue)[
Structural classification names and divides joints according to the type of binding tissue that connects the bones to each other.[3]There are three structural classifications of joints:[4] * fibrous joint - joined by dense regular connective tissue that is rich in collagen fibers [5] * cartilaginous joint - joined by cartilage * synovial joint - not directly joined - the bones have a synovial cavity and are united by the dense irregular connective tissue that forms the articular capsule that is normally associated with accessory ligaments.[5]
Functional classification (movement)[
Joints can also be classified functionally according to the type and degree of movement they allow:[3][6] * synarthrosis - permits little or no mobility. Most synarthrosis joints are fibrous joints (e.g., skull sutures). * amphiarthrosis - permits slight mobility. Most amphiarthrosis joints are cartilaginous joints (e.g., intervertebral discs). * diarthrosis - freely movable.[3][6] All diarthrosis joints are synovial joints (e.g., shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, etc.), and the terms "diarthrosis"