The distinguishing marks of a arthritic joint ...

Updated May 26, 2014.

Written and reviewed by a Board Certified physician. See the Medical Review Board About.com.

Until I was diagnosed with arthritis, I do not analyze the anatomy of the human joints. It's one of those things people take for granted - the normal movement of the joint. That is, until something goes wrong, the joint pain, joint damage, joint misalignment and range of motion caused. Compare a normal joint in an arthritic joint.

In the human body is a seal at the ends of the two bones, which allows movement is formed. When two bones are a very mobile joint, such as the hip or shoulder, known as synovial joints, which is synonymous with the term "synovial joint" Depending on the specific compound, are common variations. L abduction (movement away from the midline of the body), adduction (movement toward the midline of the body), extension (straightening), bending (flexion). and turning (rotational movement) healthy synovial joint can be moved freely through the normal range of motion.

A synovial joint with a housing (referred to as capsule) is (referred synovial membrane) with the synovium aligned and is filled with synovial fluid. The bones in a synovial joint are covered by hyaline (articular) cartilage.

• The joint capsule is a bag that completely surrounds the joint strip. The term "ligament" refers to a connective tissue which is attached to the bone. Joint capsule provides passive stability by limiting movements and their nerve endings, lets you know where your city.


• (Called synovial fluid) synovium is a membrane of connective tissue that lines the surfaces of the joint capsule and tendon sheaths and awards. Tendons are attached bands of connective tissue of the muscles that move the bones. Scholarships are bags full of dishes offered damping fluid, where the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments rub bone.


• Of the synovium produces synovial fluid, cartilage provides energy and helps reduce friction during movement.


• Articular cartilage is a tough but flexible fabric made of 85% water and a highly organized collagen matrix, protein and sugar is. Cartilage has a smooth surface, can slide freely the bone, while the friction and damping.