-maintains stability

-seen in skull 

-flexible fibrocartilage

-seen at symphysis pubis and intervertebral discs

-most mobile, synovial

-ball & socket @ hip, shoulder

-hinge @ elbow

-saddle @ first metacarpal

-plane @ patellofemoral 

-no innervation 

-composed of chondrocytes 

-on top of ends of bones, not covered by the synovial membrane 

-composed of A cells (macrophage like), B cells (fibroblast like), and dendritic (antigen presenting)

-underneath is a delicate framework of connective tissue; creates a "joint space"

-this is innervated & causes joint pain

-fluid that carries nutrients to joints

-this fluid lies within the synovial membrane 

-2 "c" shaped cartilaginous structures in the knee that help preserve alignment and distribute/cushion load

-relatively avascular structures that take a long time to heal if injured 

-this is the joint capsule

-mergers externally with periosteum (bone)

-merges internally with synovial membrane