This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

The normal joint

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

There are three general types of joint where two or more bones come together, each type is characterised by different degrees of movement and function:

  • fibrous: cranial sutures, infererior tibiofibular joint
  • cartilaginous: intervertebral joints, pubic symphysis, joint between the first rib and manubrium
  • synovial joints: all other joints

Of these the most common and more important pathologically is the synovial joint. The synovial joint is characterised by the largest degree of movement.

Synovial joints are characterised by cartilage coated articular surfaces, surrounded by a fibrous capsule lined by an epithelial layer of synovium. This synovium secretes synovial fluid, into the joint space, which acts to lubricate the joint.


Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page