Why do your knuckles pop?

What is the most common explanation for the popping or cracking sound certain joints can make?

• Cracks forming in cartilage

• Overstretched ligaments

• Bubbles of gas popping

• Bones grinding against each other

What type of joint is most commonly popped?

• Fibrous joints

• Cartilaginous joints

• Synovial joints

What feature of synovial fluid is responsible for the joint's popping?

• Phogocytes

• Dissolved gases

• Hyaluronic acid

• Lubricin

Why do the dissolved gases come out of solution?

• The volume of the joint decreased.

• The composition of the synovial fluid changed, making the gases less soluble.

• The pressure in the joint increased.

• The pressure in the joint decreased.

Why do you have to wait about twenty minutes before you can pop a joint again?

• Small gas bubbles have to be re-absorbed into solution.

• The ligaments in the joint have to retract.

• The joint is so sore that bending it again is painful.

• The bones are too far apart.