Types of Synovial Joints

Let's explore the fascinating world of synovial joints - the most common and movable joints in our body! There are six main types, each designed perfectly for specific movements and functions.

1. Ball and Socket Joint

• Most mobile of all synovial joints
• Consists of a rounded head of one bone fitting into a cup-like socket of another
• Allows movement in multiple planes (multi-axial)

Found in:

• Hip joint (femur and acetabulum)
• Shoulder joint (humerus and glenoid cavity)

2. Hinge Joint

• Works like a door hinge
• Allows movement in one plane only (uniaxial)
• One bone has a cylindrical projection that fits into a trough-like depression of another bone

Found in:

• Elbow (humerus and ulna)
• Knee (femur and tibia)
• Finger joints

3. Pivot Joint

• One bone rotates around another
• Allows rotational movement only
• Cylindrical surface of one bone articulates with a ring formed by another bone

Found in:

• Atlas and axis vertebrae (allows head rotation)
• Radioulnar joint (allows forearm rotation)

4. Gliding Joint

• Flat or slightly curved surfaces that slide over each other
• Allows sliding movements in multiple directions
• Limited range of motion

Found in:

• Between carpals (wrist bones)
• Between tarsals (ankle bones)
• Vertebral facet joints

5. Saddle Joint

• Resembles two saddles fitting together
• Allows movement in two planes (biaxial)
• Both surfaces are concave in one direction and convex in the other

Found in:

• Carpometacarpal joint of the thumb

6. Condyloid Joint

• Oval-shaped projection of one bone fits into oval-shaped depression of another
• Allows movement in two planes (biaxial)
• Similar to ball and socket but more restricted

Found in:

• Wrist joint (radiocarpal joint)
• Metacarpophalangeal joints (knuckles)

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