d. Knee. The knee may be considered as consisting of three joints in one.
(1) Two condylar articulations are found between the lateral and medial
condyles of the femur, articulating with the corresponding articular facets of the
condyles of the tibia. This hinge-type joint flexes and extends.
(2) The patellofemoral articulation is between the posterior surface of the
patella and the patellar surface of the femur. This joint is best described as gliding.
e. Superior Tibiofibular. This is the joint between the lateral condyle of the
tibia and the head of the fibula. It is a gliding joint, limited to a slight gliding movement.
f. Tibiofibular Syndesmosis. This joint is formed by the junction of the distal
end of the fibula and the fibular notch of the tibia. It is a slightly movable joint
(synarthrosis).
g. Ankle Joint. The ankle joint is between the trochlea of the talus articulating
with the ankle mortise. The mortise is the arch-like structure formed by the medial
malleolus and inferior articular surface of the tibia and the lateral malleolus of the fibula.
The ankle is a hinge joint. The movements permitted are flexion and extension.
h. Foot.
(1) Intertarsal. The intertarsal articulations are between the individual tarsal
bones. They are gliding joints or condyloid joints.
(2) Tarsometatarsal. The tarsometatarsal articulations are between the
bases of the metatarsals and the distal row of the tarsal bones. They are gliding joints.
(3) Intermetatarsal. The intermetatarsal articulations are between adjacent
bases of the metatarsals. They are gliding joints.
(4) Metatarsophalangeal. The metatarsophalangeal joints are between the
heads of the metatarsals and the bases of the proximal phalanges. They are
(condyle-like) condyloid articulations. The movements permitted are flexion and
extension.
(5) Interphalangeal. The interphalangeal joints are between the proximal
and middle phalanges. They are hinge joints. The movements permitted are flexion
and extension.
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