Joints of the Human Body

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Joints of the Human Body• Joint Classification• Synovial Joints

–Characteristics of synovial joint–Types of synovial joints

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• Joint is a point of connection between two bones

• Strands of connective tissue, ligaments, hold the bones together and ensure the stability of joints

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Joint Classification• Joints are classified according to their

motion capabilities:

– Synarthroses• Immovable

– Amphiarthroses• Slightly movable

– Diarthroses• Allow the greatest amount of motion

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Joint Classification Cont’d

• Joints are further classified by the material that joints them:

– Fibrous joint• Allow no movement• E.g. sutures of the scull

– Cartilaginous joints• Allow limited movement• E.g. intervertebral discs

– Synovial joints• Allow large range of movements• E.g. hip joint

Fibrous Joint - Synarthroses

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Cartilaginous Joint-Amphiarthroses

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Synovial Joint-Diarthroses

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Types of Synovial Joints

• There are three basic types of synovial joints: – unilateral (rotation only about one axis)– biaxial joints (movement about two perpendicular

axes)–multiaxial joints (movement about all three

perpendicular axes)

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Hinge Joint

• Uniaxial• Has one articulating

surface that is convex, and another that is concave

• E.g. humero-ulnar elbow joint, interphalangeal joint

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Pivot Joint• Uniaxial• E.g. head of radius

rotating against ulna

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Condyloid/Ellipsoidal Joint• Biaxial (flexion-extension, abduction-adduction)• The joint surfaces are usually oval• One joint surface is an ovular convex shape, and

the other is a reciprocally shaped concave surface

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Saddle Joint• Biaxial (flexion-extension, abduction-

adduction)• The bones set together as in sitting on a

horse

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Ball and Socket Joint• Multiaxial (rotation in all planes)• A rounded bone is fitted into a cup=like

receptacle

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Plane (Gliding) Joint

• Uniaxial (permits gliding movements)• The bone surfaces involved are nearly flat• E.g. Carpal and Tarsals