Articular

Articular is an adjective used in anatomy to denote a relationship to joints or joint surfaces. The term derives from Latin articulus, meaning joint or articulation, and is used to describe structures that participate in or relate to joints.

In anatomical usage, articular surfaces are the areas of bones that come into contact to form joints. These surfaces are typically covered by articular cartilage, most often hyaline cartilage, which provides a low-friction interface and helps distribute load during movement. An articular capsule, or joint capsule, surrounds synovial joints and encloses the joint space; the capsule often contains ligaments and, inside the joint, the synovial membrane and fluid that lubricate the surfaces. Some joints also include articular discs or menisci, which are fibrocartilaginous structures that improve congruence and load distribution.

Articular can be applied to many specific structures. Articular cartilage lines the ends of long bones within synovial joints, such as the femur, tibia, and humerus. Articular surfaces are observed in the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, and temporomandibular joint. In the spine, facet joints are formed by articular surfaces of adjacent vertebrae, known as the superior and inferior articular facets, which guide movement and limit motion.

Clinically, articular tissues are central to joint health. Articular cartilage damage can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and osteoarthritis. Imaging, particularly MRI and radiographs, assesses the integrity of articular surfaces and joint alignment, while pathologies may be described as intra-articular or periarticular based on whether they involve the joint itself or surrounding tissues.