(hinge joint) n. a form of *diarthrosis (freely movable joint) that allows angular movement in one plane only, increasing or decreasing the angle between the bones. Examples are the knee joint and the elbow joint.
(synovial joint) n. a freely movable joint. The ends of the adjoining bones are covered with a thin cartilaginous sheet, and the bones are linked by a ligament (capsule) lined with *synovial membrane, which secretes synovial fluid (see illustration). Such joints are classified according to the type of connection between the bones and the type of movement allowed. See arthrodic joint; condylarthrosis; enarthrosis; ginglymus; saddle joint; trochoid joint.... diarthrosis
n. the hinge joint (see ginglymus) between the end of the femur, the top of the tibia, and the back of the *patella (kneecap). It is commonly involved in *sports injuries (such as a torn meniscus or ligament) and is a common site of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; it can be replaced by an artificial joint (see also arthroplasty).... knee