ANALYSIS OF THE MORPHOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF UPPER AND LOWER LIMB JOINTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1595142512036

• Palavras-chave: Anatomy. Joint. Morphology.

• Keywords: Anatomy. Joint. Morphology.

• Abstract:

  INTRODUCTION: A joint is defined as the place where there is a connection between two or more bones, or between cartilage and bone.  It has its own individual function and shape, which is what will allow it to move or not. OBJECTIVE: To address the morphological and functional issues of the joints of both the upper limbs (MMSS) and lower limbs (MMII). Methods: This is an integrative literature review based on the guiding question: "What is the morphological and functional classification of the joints of the upper and lower limbs?". The descriptors "joint", "morphology", "functionality" and "anatomy" were used to locate the articles in the databases. Virtual and physical books were included, as well as articles in Portuguese and English published from 2014-2021 and letter-type studies were excluded. The snowball strategy was used to capture new evidence. DISCUSSION: The upper limbs are characterized by being prehensile and have four main segments. The functional and biomechanical aspects of the upper limb and lower limb joints include the physiology of the joint itself, as well as anatomy, muscle physiology, mechanics and kinesiology. CONCLUSION: This study analyzed that the joints are responsible for numerous movements performed by the axial and appendicular skeleton. The main movements include flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation, which gradually contribute to the functions needed throughout life when it comes to the human body.