Joints

Joints
A Joint is the site where two or more bones meet. The function of a joint is to allow a
variety of movements to happen in the body. Joints are structured in different ways
to produce a range different movements; there are three major types of joints.

Major Types of Joints

Classification

Explanation

Examples

Fixed / Fibrous Joint

Fibrous joints are joints which are held

together by ligaments, a tough fibre.
These joints cannot move as they
overlap and interlock with each other.
Therefore they allow no movement,
hence the name Fixed Joints.

Flat bones in the Cranium.

Slightly Moveable / Cartilaginous Joint

Cartilaginous joints enable a little

movement and they too are held
together by ligaments. However
Cartilaginous joints are cushioned by
cartilage, hence the name Cartilaginous
Joints. If a Cartilaginous joint moves too
fast it can slip a disc which is often
painful.
Synovial joints are the largest group of
joints found in the body, these contains
a lubricating liquid called synovial fluid.
Like the other joints they are held
together by ligaments. Unlike the others,
these joints move freely and allow a

Between the Vertebrae in the

spine.

There are six types of Synovial

joints.

Moveable / Synovial Joint

wide range of movement.

Compare and Contrast

Comparison

Fibrous Joints

Fibrous Joints

Cartilaginous Joints

Fibrous joints are fixed joints which

allow no movement because they
overlap and interlock with each other.
For example the fused bones in the
Cranium (skull) are fibrous joints which
do not move as they hold the brain.
Fibrous are held together by ligaments
and a fibrous connective tissue.
Contrasting are Cartilaginous joints
which allow a little movement like when
your spine bend. Similar to all joint
Cartilaginous joints are held together by
ligaments, whereas they also cushion

Cartilaginous Joints

Synovial Joints

Cartilaginous joint are joints

which are cushioned by cartilage
and allow little movement, for
example when your spine bend.
Like all joints, Cartilaginous
joints are held together by
ligaments. In comparison to
Cartilaginous joints, Fibrous
joints are not cushioned by
cartilage. They overlap and
interlock with each other,
allowing no movement.

Synovial joints are the most

commonly found joints which
contain a lubricating fluid called
synovial fluid. Different from
other joints, Synovial joints allow
joints to move freely. In
comparison to Synovial joints,
Fibrous joints are not cushioned
by cartilage. They overlap and
interlock with each other,
allowing no movement.
Synovial joints are the most
commonly found joints which
contain a lubricating fluid called
synovial fluid. Different from
other joints, Synovial joints allow
joints to move freely. Contrasting
are Cartilaginous joints which
allow a little movement like
when your spine bend. Similar to
all joint Cartilaginous joints are
held together by ligaments,
whereas they also cushion the
joints with cartilage.

Synovial Joints

the joints with cartilage.

Fibrous joints are fixed joints which
allow no movement because they
overlap and interlock with each other.
For example the fused bones in the
Cranium (skull) are fibrous joints which
do not move as they hold the brain.
Fibrous are held together by ligaments
and a fibrous connective tissue. On the
other hand Synovial joints are not held
together by a fibrous tissue, but instead
they contain a lubricating liquid called
synovial fluid. Unlike Fibrous joints,
Synovial joints enable joints to move
freely.

Cartilaginous joint are joints

which are cushioned by cartilage
and allow little movement, for
example when your spine bend.
Like all joints, Cartilaginous
joints are held together by
ligaments. However Synovial
joints are not cushioned by
cartilage, but instead they
contain a lubricating liquid called
synovial fluid. Unlike
Cartilaginous joints, Synovial
joints enable joints to move
freely.

Types of Synovial Joints

Classification
Ball and Socket Joint

Explanation
Ball and Socket joints are unique joints which allow
movement in almost every direction. Ball and Socket joints
are constructed by a round end of one bone which fits into a
small cup-like area of another bone. Ball and Socket joints
are classified functionally as multiaxial joints because they
can move the bone along several axes and they allow
several joint movements including: Adduction, Abduction,
Extension, Flexion, Rotation and Circumduction.

Examples

Pelvis and Femur.

Hinge Joint

Hinge joints look and give the same impression as a door

hinge does. Due to their one way direction of movement,
they allows limited movement: Flexion, Extension,
Plantarflexion and Dorsiflexion. Hinge joints flex and extend
when the joint either increases or decreases in angle.

Elbow and Knee.

Pivot Joint

The Pivot joint (or Rotary joint) can only be found in the
neck between the top two vertebrae and in the elbow
formed by the ulna and radius. The Pivot joint allows limited
joint movement including: Adduction, Abduction, Flexion,
Extension, Rotation, Pronation and Supination, which means
you can swing your head from side to side or rotate you
hand.

Spine (between Atlas & Axis).

Gliding Joint

Gliding joints, also known as Plane or Planar joints, are

located at flat or nearly flat articular surfaces. Gliding joints
can be found in the carpal bones of the hand and they
permit restricted movement in a range of directions. Gliding
joints allow the bones to glide past one another; up, down,
left, right and diagonally. Sometimes slight rotation can
happen at these joints, but it is limited. Gliding joints allow
the joint movements Inversion and Eversion to happen.
Saddle joints are shaped like a saddle with another bone
resting on it like a rider would. Saddle joints are only found
in the thumbs, an important human feature as it allows our
hands to grip firmly onto objects. Saddle joints provide
stability to the bones while providing more flexibility than a
hinge or gliding joint. Saddle joints are able to move in
three ways; forward, from side to side and across. Saddle
joints allows the joint movements; Flexion, Extension,
Adduction and Abduction. However they do not allow
Rotation.

Carpal Bones.

Thumbs.

Saddle Joint

Condyloid Joint

Condyloid joints (or Ellipsoidal joints) are classified

functionally as biaxial joints which mean they allow
movement in two ways: to bend and to straighten out.
Condyloid joints are found at the wrist and between the
metacarpals and phalanges. Condyloid joints allow the
same joint movements as Saddle joints including: Flexion,
Extension, Adduction and Abduction, but allow greater
movements.

Metacarpals and Phalanges.

Compare and Contrast

Classificati
on
Ball and Socket

Ball and
Socket
Joints

Hinge
Joints
Ball and Socket

Pivot
Joints
Ball and Socket

Gliding
Joints
Ball and Socket

Saddle
Joints
Ball and Socket

Condyloid
Joints
Ball and Socket

Joints

allow movement
in almost every
direction. Ball and
Socket joints are
constructed by a
round end of one
bone which fits
into a small cuplike area of
another bone.
Ball and Socket
joints are
classified
functionally as
multiaxial joints
because they can
move the bone
along several
axes and they
allow several joint
movements
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Extension,
Flexion, Rotation
and
Circumduction.
On the other
hand, Hinge joints
look and give the
same impression
as a door hinge
does. Due to their
one way direction

allow movement
in almost every
direction. Ball and
Socket joints are
constructed by a
round end of one
bone which fits
into a small cuplike area of
another bone.
Ball and Socket
joints are
classified
functionally as
multiaxial joints
because they can
move the bone
along several
axes and they
allow several joint
movements
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Extension,
Flexion, Rotation
and
Circumduction.
Whereas, the
Pivot joint (or
Rotary joint) can
only be found in
the neck between
the top two
vertebrae and in

allow movement
in almost every
direction. Ball and
Socket joints are
constructed by a
round end of one
bone which fits
into a small cuplike area of
another bone.
Ball and Socket
joints are
classified
functionally as
multiaxial joints
because they can
move the bone
along several
axes and they
allow several joint
movements
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Extension,
Flexion, Rotation
and
Circumduction. In
comparison,
Gliding joints,
also known as
Plane or Planar
joints, are located
at flat or nearly
flat articular

allow movement
in almost every
direction. Ball and
Socket joints are
constructed by a
round end of one
bone which fits
into a small cuplike area of
another bone.
Ball and Socket
joints are
classified
functionally as
multiaxial joints
because they can
move the bone
along several
axes and they
allow several joint
movements
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Extension,
Flexion, Rotation
and
Circumduction. In
contrast, Saddle
joints are shaped
like a saddle with
another bone
resting on it like a
rider would.
Saddle joints are

allow movement
in almost every
direction. Ball and
Socket joints are
constructed by a
round end of one
bone which fits
into a small cuplike area of
another bone.
Ball and Socket
joints are
classified
functionally as
multiaxial joints
because they can
move the bone
along several
axes and they
allow several joint
movements
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Extension,
Flexion, Rotation
and
Circumduction.
However,
Condyloid joints
(or Ellipsoidal
joints) are
classified
functionally as
biaxial joints

of movement,
they allow limited
movement:
Flexion,
Extension,
Plantarflexion and
Dorsiflexion.
Hinge joints flex
and extend when
the joint either
increases or
decreases in
angle.

Hinge Joints

Hinge joints look

and give the
same impression
as a door hinge
does. Due to their
one way direction
of movement,
they allow limited
movement:

the elbow formed

by the ulna and
radius. The Pivot
joint allows
limited joint
movement
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Flexion,
Extension,
Rotation,
Pronation and
Supination, which
means you can
swing your head
from side to side
or rotate you
hand.

Hinge joints look

and give the
same impression
as a door hinge
does. Due to their
one way direction
of movement,
they allow limited
movement:

surfaces. Gliding
joints can be
found in the
carpal bones of
the hand and
they permit
restricted
movement in a
range of
directions. Gliding
joints allow the
bones to glide
past one another;
up, down, left,
right and
diagonally.
Sometimes slight
rotation can
happen at these
joints, but it is
limited. Gliding
joints allow the
joint movements
Inversion and
Eversion to
happen.
Hinge joints look
and give the
same impression
as a door hinge
does. Due to their
one way direction
of movement,
they allow limited
movement:

only found in the

thumbs, an
important human
feature as it
allows our hands
to grip firmly onto
objects. Saddle
joints provide
stability to the
bones while
providing more
flexibility than a
hinge or gliding
joint. Saddle
joints are able to
move in three
ways; forward,
from side to side
and across.
Saddle joints
allows the joint
movements;
Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction.
Hinge joints look
and give the
same impression
as a door hinge
does. Due to their
one way direction
of movement,
they allow limited
movement:

which mean they

allow movement
in two ways: to
bend and to
straighten out.
Condyloid joints
are found at the
wrist and
between the
metacarpals and
phalanges.
Condyloid joints
allow the same
joint movements
as Saddle joints
including: Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction, but
allow greater
movements.

Hinge joints look

and give the
same impression
as a door hinge
does. Due to their
one way direction
of movement,
they allow limited
movement:

Flexion,
Extension,
Plantarflexion and
Dorsiflexion.
Hinge joints flex
and extend when
the joint either
increases or
decreases in
angle. However,
Ball and Socket
allow movement
in almost every
direction. Ball and
Socket joints are
constructed by a
round end of one
bone which fits
into a small cuplike area of
another bone.
Ball and Socket
joints are
classified
functionally as
multiaxial joints
because they can
move the bone
along several
axes and they
allow several joint
movements
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,

Flexion,
Extension,
Plantarflexion and
Dorsiflexion.
Hinge joints flex
and extend when
the joint either
increases or
decreases in
angle. On the
other hand, the
Pivot joint (or
Rotary joint) can
only be found in
the neck between
the top two
vertebrae and in
the elbow formed
by the ulna and
radius. The Pivot
joint allows
limited joint
movement
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Flexion,
Extension,
Rotation,
Pronation and
Supination, which
means you can
swing your head
from side to side
or rotate you

Flexion,
Extension,
Plantarflexion and
Dorsiflexion.
Hinge joints flex
and extend when
the joint either
increases or
decreases in
angle. Whereas,
Gliding joints,
also known as
Plane or Planar
joints, are located
at flat or nearly
flat articular
surfaces. Gliding
joints can be
found in the
carpal bones of
the hand and
they permit
restricted
movement in a
range of
directions. Gliding
joints allow the
bones to glide
past one another;
up, down, left,
right and
diagonally.
Sometimes slight
rotation can
happen at these

Flexion,
Extension,
Plantarflexion and
Dorsiflexion.
Hinge joints flex
and extend when
the joint either
increases or
decreases in
angle. In
comparison,
Saddle joints are
shaped like a
saddle with
another bone
resting on it like a
rider would.
Saddle joints are
only found in the
thumbs, an
important human
feature as it
allows our hands
to grip firmly onto
objects. Saddle
joints provide
stability to the
bones while
providing more
flexibility than a
hinge or gliding
joint. Saddle
joints are able to
move in three
ways; forward,

Flexion,
Extension,
Plantarflexion and
Dorsiflexion.
Hinge joints flex
and extend when
the joint either
increases or
decreases in
angle. In contrast,
Condyloid joints
(or Ellipsoidal
joints) are
classified
functionally as
biaxial joints
which mean they
allow movement
in two ways: to
bend and to
straighten out.
Condyloid joints
are found at the
wrist and
between the
metacarpals and
phalanges.
Condyloid joints
allow the same
joint movements
as Saddle joints
including: Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction, but

Extension,
Flexion, Rotation
and
Circumduction.

Pivot Joints

The Pivot joint (or

Rotary joint) can
only be found in
the neck between
the top two
vertebrae and in
the elbow formed
by the ulna and
radius. The Pivot
joint allows
limited joint
movement
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Flexion,
Extension,
Rotation,
Pronation and
Supination, which
means you can
swing your head
from side to side
or rotate you
hand. In contrast,
Ball and Socket

hand.

The Pivot joint (or

Rotary joint) can
only be found in
the neck between
the top two
vertebrae and in
the elbow formed
by the ulna and
radius. The Pivot
joint allows
limited joint
movement
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Flexion,
Extension,
Rotation,
Pronation and
Supination, which
means you can
swing your head
from side to side
or rotate you
hand. However,
Hinge joints look

joints, but it is
limited. Gliding
joints allow the
joint movements
Inversion and
Eversion to
happen.

The Pivot joint (or

Rotary joint) can
only be found in
the neck between
the top two
vertebrae and in
the elbow formed
by the ulna and
radius. The Pivot
joint allows
limited joint
movement
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Flexion,
Extension,
Rotation,
Pronation and
Supination, which
means you can
swing your head
from side to side
or rotate you
hand. On the
other hand,

from side to side

and across.
Saddle joints
allows the joint
movements;
Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction.
The Pivot joint (or
Rotary joint) can
only be found in
the neck between
the top two
vertebrae and in
the elbow formed
by the ulna and
radius. The Pivot
joint allows
limited joint
movement
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Flexion,
Extension,
Rotation,
Pronation and
Supination, which
means you can
swing your head
from side to side
or rotate you
hand. Whereas,
Saddle joints are

allow greater
movements.

The Pivot joint (or

Rotary joint) can
only be found in
the neck between
the top two
vertebrae and in
the elbow formed
by the ulna and
radius. The Pivot
joint allows
limited joint
movement
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Flexion,
Extension,
Rotation,
Pronation and
Supination, which
means you can
swing your head
from side to side
or rotate you
hand. In
comparison,

Gliding Joints

allow movement
in almost every
direction. Ball and
Socket joints are
constructed by a
round end of one
bone which fits
into a small cuplike area of
another bone.
Ball and Socket
joints are
classified
functionally as
multiaxial joints
because they can
move the bone
along several
axes and they
allow several joint
movements
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Extension,
Flexion, Rotation
and
Circumduction.

and give the

same impression
as a door hinge
does. Due to their
one way direction
of movement,
they allow limited
movement:
Flexion,
Extension,
Plantarflexion and
Dorsiflexion.
Hinge joints flex
and extend when
the joint either
increases or
decreases in
angle.

Gliding joints,
also known as
Plane or Planar

Gliding joints,
also known as
Plane or Planar

Gliding joints,
also known as
Plane or Planar
joints, are located
at flat or nearly
flat articular
surfaces. Gliding
joints can be
found in the
carpal bones of
the hand and
they permit
restricted
movement in a
range of
directions. Gliding
joints allow the
bones to glide
past one another;
up, down, left,
right and
diagonally.
Sometimes slight
rotation can
happen at these
joints, but it is
limited. Gliding
joints allow the
joint movements
Inversion and
Eversion to
happen.
Gliding joints,
also known as
Plane or Planar

shaped like a
saddle with
another bone
resting on it like a
rider would.
Saddle joints are
only found in the
thumbs, an
important human
feature as it
allows our hands
to grip firmly onto
objects. Saddle
joints provide
stability to the
bones while
providing more
flexibility than a
hinge or gliding
joint. Saddle
joints are able to
move in three
ways; forward,
from side to side
and across.
Saddle joints
allows the joint
movements;
Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction.
Gliding joints,
also known as
Plane or Planar

Condyloid joints
(or Ellipsoidal
joints) are
classified
functionally as
biaxial joints
which mean they
allow movement
in two ways: to
bend and to
straighten out.
Condyloid joints
are found at the
wrist and
between the
metacarpals and
phalanges.
Condyloid joints
allow the same
joint movements
as Saddle joints
including: Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction, but
allow greater
movements.

Gliding joints,
also known as
Plane or Planar

joints, are located

at flat or nearly
flat articular
surfaces. Gliding
joints can be
found in the
carpal bones of
the hand and
they permit
restricted
movement in a
range of
directions. Gliding
joints allow the
bones to glide
past one another;
up, down, left,
right and
diagonally.
Sometimes slight
rotation can
happen at these
joints, but it is
limited. Gliding
joints allow the
joint movements
Inversion and
Eversion to
happen. In
comparison, Ball
and Socket allow
movement in
almost every
direction. Ball and
Socket joints are

joints, are located

at flat or nearly
flat articular
surfaces. Gliding
joints can be
found in the
carpal bones of
the hand and
they permit
restricted
movement in a
range of
directions. Gliding
joints allow the
bones to glide
past one another;
up, down, left,
right and
diagonally.
Sometimes slight
rotation can
happen at these
joints, but it is
limited. Gliding
joints allow the
joint movements
Inversion and
Eversion to
happen. In
contrast, Hinge
joints look and
give the same
impression as a
door hinge does.
Due to their one

joints, are located

at flat or nearly
flat articular
surfaces. Gliding
joints can be
found in the
carpal bones of
the hand and
they permit
restricted
movement in a
range of
directions. Gliding
joints allow the
bones to glide
past one another;
up, down, left,
right and
diagonally.
Sometimes slight
rotation can
happen at these
joints, but it is
limited. Gliding
joints allow the
joint movements
Inversion and
Eversion to
happen.
However, the
Pivot joint (or
Rotary joint) can
only be found in
the neck between
the top two

joints, are located

at flat or nearly
flat articular
surfaces. Gliding
joints can be
found in the
carpal bones of
the hand and
they permit
restricted
movement in a
range of
directions. Gliding
joints allow the
bones to glide
past one another;
up, down, left,
right and
diagonally.
Sometimes slight
rotation can
happen at these
joints, but it is
limited. Gliding
joints allow the
joint movements
Inversion and
Eversion to
happen. On the
other hand,
Saddle joints are
shaped like a
saddle with
another bone
resting on it like a

joints, are located

at flat or nearly
flat articular
surfaces. Gliding
joints can be
found in the
carpal bones of
the hand and
they permit
restricted
movement in a
range of
directions. Gliding
joints allow the
bones to glide
past one another;
up, down, left,
right and
diagonally.
Sometimes slight
rotation can
happen at these
joints, but it is
limited. Gliding
joints allow the
joint movements
Inversion and
Eversion to
happen. Whereas,
Condyloid joints
(or Ellipsoidal
joints) are
classified
functionally as
biaxial joints

Saddle Joints

constructed by a
round end of one
bone which fits
into a small cuplike area of
another bone.
Ball and Socket
joints are
classified
functionally as
multiaxial joints
because they can
move the bone
along several
axes and they
allow several joint
movements
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Extension,
Flexion, Rotation
and
Circumduction.

way direction of
movement, they
allow limited
movement:
Flexion,
Extension,
Plantarflexion and
Dorsiflexion.
Hinge joints flex
and extend when
the joint either
increases or
decreases in
angle.

vertebrae and in
the elbow formed
by the ulna and
radius. The Pivot
joint allows
limited joint
movement
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Flexion,
Extension,
Rotation,
Pronation and
Supination, which
means you can
swing your head
from side to side
or rotate you
hand.

Saddle joints are

shaped like a
saddle with
another bone
resting on it like a
rider would.
Saddle joints are

Saddle joints are

shaped like a
saddle with
another bone
resting on it like a
rider would.
Saddle joints are

Saddle joints are

shaped like a
saddle with
another bone
resting on it like a
rider would.
Saddle joints are

rider would.
Saddle joints are
only found in the
thumbs, an
important human
feature as it
allows our hands
to grip firmly onto
objects. Saddle
joints provide
stability to the
bones while
providing more
flexibility than a
hinge or gliding
joint. Saddle
joints are able to
move in three
ways; forward,
from side to side
and across.
Saddle joints
allows the joint
movements;
Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction.
Saddle joints are
shaped like a
saddle with
another bone
resting on it like a
rider would.
Saddle joints are

which mean they

allow movement
in two ways: to
bend and to
straighten out.
Condyloid joints
are found at the
wrist and
between the
metacarpals and
phalanges.
Condyloid joints
allow the same
joint movements
as Saddle joints
including: Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction, but
allow greater
movements.

Saddle joints are

shaped like a
saddle with
another bone
resting on it like a
rider would.
Saddle joints are

only found in the

thumbs, an
important human
feature as it
allows our hands
to grip firmly onto
objects. Saddle
joints provide
stability to the
bones while
providing more
flexibility than a
hinge or gliding
joint. Saddle
joints are able to
move in three
ways; forward,
from side to side
and across.
Saddle joints
allows the joint
movements;
Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction.
Whereas, Ball and
Socket allow
movement in
almost every
direction. Ball and
Socket joints are
constructed by a
round end of one
bone which fits

only found in the

thumbs, an
important human
feature as it
allows our hands
to grip firmly onto
objects. Saddle
joints provide
stability to the
bones while
providing more
flexibility than a
hinge or gliding
joint. Saddle
joints are able to
move in three
ways; forward,
from side to side
and across.
Saddle joints
allows the joint
movements;
Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction. In
comparison,
Hinge joints look
and give the
same impression
as a door hinge
does. Due to their
one way direction
of movement,
they allow limited

only found in the

thumbs, an
important human
feature as it
allows our hands
to grip firmly onto
objects. Saddle
joints provide
stability to the
bones while
providing more
flexibility than a
hinge or gliding
joint. Saddle
joints are able to
move in three
ways; forward,
from side to side
and across.
Saddle joints
allows the joint
movements;
Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction. In
contrast, the
Pivot joint (or
Rotary joint) can
only be found in
the neck between
the top two
vertebrae and in
the elbow formed
by the ulna and

only found in the

thumbs, an
important human
feature as it
allows our hands
to grip firmly onto
objects. Saddle
joints provide
stability to the
bones while
providing more
flexibility than a
hinge or gliding
joint. Saddle
joints are able to
move in three
ways; forward,
from side to side
and across.
Saddle joints
allows the joint
movements;
Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction.
However, Gliding
joints, also known
as Plane or Planar
joints, are located
at flat or nearly
flat articular
surfaces. Gliding
joints can be
found in the

only found in the

thumbs, an
important human
feature as it
allows our hands
to grip firmly onto
objects. Saddle
joints provide
stability to the
bones while
providing more
flexibility than a
hinge or gliding
joint. Saddle
joints are able to
move in three
ways; forward,
from side to side
and across.
Saddle joints
allows the joint
movements;
Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction. On the
other hand,
Condyloid joints
(or Ellipsoidal
joints) are
classified
functionally as
biaxial joints
which mean they
allow movement

Condyloid Joints

into a small cuplike area of

another bone.
Ball and Socket
joints are
classified
functionally as
multiaxial joints
because they can
move the bone
along several
axes and they
allow several joint
movements
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Extension,
Flexion, Rotation
and
Circumduction.

movement:
Flexion,
Extension,
Plantarflexion and
Dorsiflexion.
Hinge joints flex
and extend when
the joint either
increases or
decreases in
angle.

radius. The Pivot

joint allows
limited joint
movement
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Flexion,
Extension,
Rotation,
Pronation and
Supination, which
means you can
swing your head
from side to side
or rotate you
hand.

Condyloid joints
(or Ellipsoidal
joints) are
classified
functionally as
biaxial joints
which mean they
allow movement
in two ways: to
bend and to
straighten out.
Condyloid joints

Condyloid joints
(or Ellipsoidal
joints) are
classified
functionally as
biaxial joints
which mean they
allow movement
in two ways: to
bend and to
straighten out.
Condyloid joints

Condyloid joints
(or Ellipsoidal
joints) are
classified
functionally as
biaxial joints
which mean they
allow movement
in two ways: to
bend and to
straighten out.
Condyloid joints

carpal bones of
the hand and
they permit
restricted
movement in a
range of
directions. Gliding
joints allow the
bones to glide
past one another;
up, down, left,
right and
diagonally.
Sometimes slight
rotation can
happen at these
joints, but it is
limited. Gliding
joints allow the
joint movements
Inversion and
Eversion to
happen.
Condyloid joints
(or Ellipsoidal
joints) are
classified
functionally as
biaxial joints
which mean they
allow movement
in two ways: to
bend and to
straighten out.
Condyloid joints

in two ways: to
bend and to
straighten out.
Condyloid joints
are found at the
wrist and
between the
metacarpals and
phalanges.
Condyloid joints
allow the same
joint movements
as Saddle joints
including: Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction, but
allow greater
movements.

Condyloid joints
(or Ellipsoidal
joints) are
classified
functionally as
biaxial joints
which mean they
allow movement
in two ways: to
bend and to
straighten out.
Condyloid joints

are found at the

wrist and
between the
metacarpals and
phalanges.
Condyloid joints
allow the same
joint movements
as Saddle joints
including: Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction, but
allow greater
movements.
On the other
hand, Ball and
Socket allow
movement in
almost every
direction. Ball and
Socket joints are
constructed by a
round end of one
bone which fits
into a small cuplike area of
another bone.
Ball and Socket
joints are
classified
functionally as
multiaxial joints
because they can
move the bone

are found at the

wrist and
between the
metacarpals and
phalanges.
Condyloid joints
allow the same
joint movements
as Saddle joints
including: Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction, but
allow greater
movements.
Whereas, Hinge
joints look and
give the same
impression as a
door hinge does.
Due to their one
way direction of
movement, they
allow limited
movement:
Flexion,
Extension,
Plantarflexion and
Dorsiflexion.
Hinge joints flex
and extend when
the joint either
increases or
decreases in
angle.

are found at the

wrist and
between the
metacarpals and
phalanges.
Condyloid joints
allow the same
joint movements
as Saddle joints
including: Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction, but
allow greater
movements. In
comparison, the
Pivot joint (or
Rotary joint) can
only be found in
the neck between
the top two
vertebrae and in
the elbow formed
by the ulna and
radius. The Pivot
joint allows
limited joint
movement
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Flexion,
Extension,
Rotation,
Pronation and

are found at the

wrist and
between the
metacarpals and
phalanges.
Condyloid joints
allow the same
joint movements
as Saddle joints
including: Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction, but
allow greater
movements.
However, Gliding
joints, also known
as Plane or Planar
joints, are located
at flat or nearly
flat articular
surfaces. Gliding
joints can be
found in the
carpal bones of
the hand and
they permit
restricted
movement in a
range of
directions. Gliding
joints allow the
bones to glide
past one another;
up, down, left,

are found at the

wrist and
between the
metacarpals and
phalanges.
Condyloid joints
allow the same
joint movements
as Saddle joints
including: Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction, but
allow greater
movements. On
the other hand,
Saddle joints are
shaped like a
saddle with
another bone
resting on it like a
rider would.
Saddle joints are
only found in the
thumbs, an
important human
feature as it
allows our hands
to grip firmly onto
objects. Saddle
joints provide
stability to the
bones while
providing more
flexibility than a

along several
axes and they
allow several joint
movements
including:
Adduction,
Abduction,
Extension,
Flexion, Rotation
and
Circumduction.

Supination, which
means you can
swing your head
from side to side
or rotate you
hand.

right and
diagonally.
Sometimes slight
rotation can
happen at these
joints, but it is
limited. Gliding
joints allow the
joint movements
Inversion and
Eversion to
happen.

Types of Joint Movements

hinge or gliding
joint. Saddle
joints are able to
move in three
ways; forward,
from side to side
and across.
Saddle joints
allows the joint
movements;
Flexion,
Extension,
Adduction and
Abduction.

Classification

Description

Joints

Examples

Adduction is when the limb

moves towards the midline of
the body.

Ball and Socket Joints

Pivot Joints
Saddle Joints
Condyloid Joints

Abduction

In contrast to Adduction,
Abduction is when the
limb moves away from the
midline of the body.

Ball and Socket Joints

Pivot Joints
Saddle Joints
Condyloid Joints

When you move your arm

and leg away from your
body during a star jump.

Flexion

Flexion is when a limb bends

as the angle of the joint
decreases.

Ball and Socket Joints

Hinge Joints
Pivot Joints
Saddle Joints
Condyloid Joints

When you bend your

knee to jump.
When you bend your arm
to flex your muscles.

Adduction

When you move to

standing up normally.
When you bring your
arms back to you side.

`Extension

Circumduction

In comparison to Flexion,
Extension is when a limb
straightens outs as the angle
of the joint increases.

Ball and Socket Joints

Hinge Joints
Pivot Joints
Saddle Joints
Condyloid Joints

Circumduction is when a limb

moves in a circle.

Ball and Socket Joints

Rotation

On the other hand Rotation is

when a limb turns about an
axis and moves in circular
movement towards midline of

Ball and Socket Joints

Pivot Joints

When you stretch your

legs during a jump.
When you straighten your
limbs out.

When you throw an

overarm bowl during
cricket.
When you swim strokes.

When you rotate your hip

while playing golf.
When you turn your head
from side to side to say

the body. When it rotates

towards the body it is
interval/medial rotation.
When it rotates away from
the body it is external/lateral
rotation.

Pronation

Pronation is when the hand

moves from facing up to
facing down.

no.

Pivot Joints

Supination

Whereas Supination is when

the hand moves from facing
down to facing up.

Pivot Joints

When a spin bowler

delivers the ball in
cricket.
When playing netball you
pronate you hand above
the shooter to defend the
ball.

When you throw a dart it

involves Supination of the
forearm.

Plantarflexion

Dorsiflexion

Plantarflexion is when the

foot moves away from the
shin bones.

In contrast, Dorsiflexion is
when the foot moves towards
the shin bones.

Hinge Joints

Hinge Joints

When you point your toes

during a jump.
When you do an en
pointe in ballet.

When you place your foot

on the ground.
When you walk on your
heels.

Inversion

Inversion is when the sole of

the foot is turned in towards
midline of the body.

Gliding Joints

When you left foot moves

to fifth position in ballet.

Eversion

In comparison to Inversion,
Eversion is when the sole of
the foot is turned laterally
outwards.

Gliding Joints

When you move your feet

to first position in ballet.

Hyperextension

Hyperextension is the term

given to a joint when it gives
an extreme or abnormal
movement.

Ball and Socket Joints

Hinge Joints
Pivot Joints
Gliding Joints
Saddle Joints
Condyloid Joints

When you do the

superman exercise and
hyperextend you back.

Hannah Chapman 10C