Slightly Movable

Definition

Slightly movable, also known as amphiarthrosis, refers to a type of joint that allows for a limited range of motion between the connected bones. These joints provide stability and support while still permitting some degree of movement, facilitating functions such as weight-bearing and shock absorption.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Slightly movable joints are essential for providing stability and support while still allowing for limited movement, which is important for weight-bearing and shock absorption.
2. The pubic symphysis, which connects the two pubic bones in the pelvis, is an example of a slightly movable joint.
3. Slightly movable joints are characterized by the presence of dense connective tissue, such as ligaments or tendons, which connect the bones and limit their range of motion.
4. Synchondroses, such as the epiphyseal plates in growing bones, are slightly movable joints that eventually fuse as the bones mature.
5. The intervertebral discs between the vertebrae are also considered slightly movable joints, allowing for a small degree of flexion, extension, and rotation of the spine.

Review Questions

• Describe the structural and functional characteristics of slightly movable joints.
  • Slightly movable joints, or amphiarthroses, are characterized by the presence of dense connective tissue, such as ligaments or tendons, which connect the bones and allow for a limited range of motion. These joints provide stability and support while still permitting a small degree of movement, which is important for weight-bearing and shock absorption. Examples of slightly movable joints include the pubic symphysis, the epiphyseal plates in growing bones, and the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae.
• Explain the role of slightly movable joints in the body's overall joint structure and function.
  • Slightly movable joints play a crucial role in the body's joint structure and function by providing a balance between stability and mobility. These joints allow for limited movement, which is necessary for various physiological processes, such as weight-bearing, shock absorption, and the facilitation of smooth, controlled movements. Slightly movable joints, such as the pubic symphysis and intervertebral discs, help to distribute forces and stresses across the body, reducing the risk of injury and promoting overall joint health and function.
• Analyze the differences between slightly movable joints and other types of joints, such as synovial joints and fibrous joints, and discuss the clinical significance of these differences.
  • Slightly movable joints, or amphiarthroses, differ from synovial joints in that they lack a synovial cavity and are instead connected by dense connective tissue, such as ligaments or tendons. This structural difference allows for a limited range of motion, in contrast to the greater mobility of synovial joints. Compared to fibrous joints, which have no movement, slightly movable joints provide a degree of flexibility and shock absorption that is essential for weight-bearing and other physiological functions. The clinical significance of these differences lies in the fact that the limited movement of slightly movable joints helps to maintain joint stability and prevent excessive strain or injury, while still allowing for the necessary range of motion required for various bodily activities.

Related terms

Fibrous Joints:

Fibrous joints are a type of joint where the bones are connected by dense connective tissue, such as ligaments or tendons, rather than a synovial cavity.

Symphysis: A symphysis is a slightly movable joint where the bones are connected by a thick pad of fibrocartilage, allowing for a small amount of movement.

Synchondrosis: A synchondrosis is a slightly movable joint where the bones are connected by hyaline cartilage, which eventually ossifies and fuses the bones together.