A joint is a point where two or more bones meet. There are three main types of joints; Fibrous (immovable), Cartilaginous (partially moveable) and the Synovial (freely moveable) joint.
Fibrous Joints
- This type of joint is also called synarthrodial. It is held together by just a ligament.
- Examples are where the teeth are held to their bony sockets and at both the radioulnar and tibiofibular joints.
Cartilaginous joints
- Cartilaginous (synchondroses and symphyses): These joints occur where the connection between the articulating bones is made up of cartilage. For example, between vertebrae in the spine.
- Synchondroses are temporary joints which are only present in children, up until the end of puberty. For example, the epiphyseal plates in long bones.
- Symphysis joints are permanent cartilaginous joints, for example, the pubic symphysis.
Synovial Joints
- Synovial (diarthrosis): Synovial joints are by far the most common classification of a joint within the human body.
- They are highly moveable and all have a synovial capsule (collagenous structure) surrounding the entire joint, a synovial membrane (the inner layer of the capsule) which secretes synovial fluid (a lubricating liquid) and cartilage known as hyaline cartilage which pads the ends of the articulating bones.
- There are 6 types of synovial joints which are classified by the shape of the joint and the movement available.
Types of Synovial Joint
Hinge joint
- Movement – Flexion/Extension
- Examples – Elbow/Knee
Pivot joint
- Movement – Rotation of one bone around another
- Examples – Top of the neck (atlas and axis bones)
Ball & Socket
- Movement – Flexion/Extension/Adduction/Abduction/Internal rotation/External Rotation
- Examples – Shoulder/Hip
Saddle
- Movements – Flexion/Extension/Adduction/Abduction/Circumduction
- Example – CMC joint at the base of the thumb
Condyloid
- Movements – Flexion/Extension/Adduction/Abduction/Circumduction
- Examples – Wrist/MCP in the hand & MTP joints in the foot.
Gliding
- Gliding movements
- Intercarpal joints in the hands
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