Description of a Synovial

Joint

By
Dr. Muhammad Imran Qureshi
Description Of a Synovial Joint
 While describing a Synovial joint, one must
consider TEN points in his / her mind.
Description Of a Synovial Joint
1. Type of the Joint:
 Whether it is Simple, Compound or Complex?
 A Simple Synovial Joint is formed between TWO
bones. The joint is invested by a fibrous capsule,
which in turn is lined by a synovial capsule lubricated
by synovial fluid.
 A Compound Synovial Joint is one in which more
than TWO bones share the same synovial cavity.
 A Complex Synovial Joint is like a simple joint, but it
contains a fibrocartilaginous disk within the joint
cavity.
Description Of a Synovial Joint
2. Variety Of the Joint:
 Plane
 Uniaxial
 Hinge
 Pivot
 Biaxial
 Ellipsoid
 Condyloid
 Multiaxial
 Ball and Socket
 Saddle
Description Of a Synovial Joint
3. Articular Surfaces:
 Always covered by Hyaline cartilage in a
Synovial joint.
Description Of a Synovial Joint
4. Fibrous Capsule:
 Its attachment and extent.
 The non articular parts of the bone / bones
that is / are invested by the fibrous capsule
and hence becomes intracapsular.
Description Of a Synovial Joint
5. Synovial Capsule / Membrane:
 Its extent and attachment.
 Which parts of the joint remain extra synovial
but intracapsular.
Description Of a Synovial Joint
6. Ligaments of the joint:
 Extracapsular
 Intracapsular
Description Of a Synovial Joint
7. Blood Supply of the joint:
 Usually from the anastomosis around the
joint
Description Of a Synovial Joint
8. Nerve Supply of the Joint:
 Follows Hilton’s Law which states:
“A nerve supplying the muscle across a joint
tends to give a branch to the joint the muscle
moves, and another branch to the skin over
the joint”
Description Of a Synovial Joint
9. Movements of the joint, range of
movements and the muscles responsible for
these movements.
Description Of a Synovial Joint
10. Stability of the joint:
 Factors responsible for the stability
 Bony Factors
 Ligamentous Factors
 Muscular Factors