Types and Characteristics of Joints - Lab Report Example

Types and Characteristics of Joints Types and Characteristics of Joints Question A joint can be defined as the site where two or more bones convene. Joints perform two main functions which include securing the bones mutually and allowing the inflexible skeleton to move freely. There are numerous structural and functional differences which are used to differentiate between synovial, fibrous and cartilaginous joints. The fibrous joints are joined by the fibrous tissue. On the other hand, the cartilaginous joints are bonded by the cartilage while the synovial joints are usually separated by a fluid-filled cavity.

Furthermore, there are functional differences between these three types of joints. As a matter of fact, most fibrous joints are considered synarthrotic. This means that there is no motion in these joints. In some cartilaginous joints, there is limited movement, while, in some of the joints, there is no movement at all (Marieb & Hoehn, 2008). In the synovial joints, the fluid-filled joint cavity allows easy movement. Question 2 Research asserts that arthritis significantly affects the old people.

The major symptoms of the disease are portrayed by swelling and stiffening of the joints. However, in certain conditions, the disease can affect the respiratory and circulatory system. Osteoarthritis is one of the rampant infections which affect the elderly (Marieb & Hoehn, 2008). On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is exceedingly common among younger people. Osteoarthritis is mainly caused by wearing down of the protective tissues around the joints. In fact, the cartilage tissue loses the ability to stretch, hence; becoming thinner, which poses a considerable risk to the aged.

Rheumatoid arthritis is normally a hereditary condition (Marieb & Hoehn, 2008). The main cause of the condition has not yet been established. However, most experts claim that rheumatoid arthritis is caused when the antibodies attack the healthy areas of the body. Question 3 When a patient presents to their physician a knee joint, which is red, warm and swollen, there are several causes that might have attributed to the condition. In this case, a Baker’s cyst is the common cause of such a condition.

The Baker’s cyst condition develops when the joint fluid leaks to the tissues located behind the knee structure (Marieb & Hoehn, 2008). The condition can also be a symptom of deep vein thrombosis whereby blood clots at the knee causing severe damages to the body. Additionally, the condition may have been as a result of cellulitis which is an infection of the tissues and the skin at the knee section. Question 4 A patient who has arthritis after trauma or severe osteoarthritis will be a frequent candidate of joint replacement.

Knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which the knee joint is replaced (Marieb & Hoehn, 2008). This procedure ensures that the diseased and damaged joints are rejuvenated. This surgery also gets rid of the pain caused by the knee infections. However, this may lead to infections after the surgery. In addition, knee replacement may lead to stiffness of the knee after the operation scar contracts. Reference Marieb, E., & Hoehn, K. (2008). Human anatomy and physiology (8th ed.). United States: Benjamin-Cummings Publishers.