Skeletal System
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These joints are not moveable. They are tough fibrous tissue at a point where two bones ends meet. The functions of a fibrous joint is stability and protection.
Examples of Fibrous joints are in the skull connecting skull bones together and pelvic bones.
Slightly Moveable/Cartilaginous
These joints, as indicated by their name are slightly moveable and permit little movement only. They are found where two bones meet where cartilage has formed.
The functions of a cartilaginous joint is mainly to absorb shock during movement and physical activity.
Examples of Cartilaginous joints are in the vertebral column, pubic bones and diaphyses.
These joints move freely and are very important in exercise and physical activity. The only limitation in range of movement is bone shape at a joint and ligaments.
The primary function of synovial joints is mobility without friction.
Join bone to bone and they limit the range of movement in the joint. They are strong and control the movement and stability. See synovial joint.
Capsule
A sleeve like covering. It encloses the synovial cavity and connecting bones. It has two layers, an outer layer made of fibres and an inner layer names the synovial membrane. It adds stability and stops unwanted material entering the joint. See synovial joint.
It covers the surfaces of the connecting bones. It reduces friction and protects bone tissue.
Synovial Fluid
Released by the synovial membrane and this fluid acts as a lubricant and forms a cushion. The fluid also provides nutrients to cartilage and absorbs debris.
Synovial Membrane
Inner layer of cartilage and releases the synovial fluid.
Ligaments join bones
Tendons Join Muscle
The bone surfaces are small and flat, or slightly concave and one bone slides over the other. They allow side-to-side and back-and-forth movements.
Examples of gliding joints are between the carpals, between the tarsals and between the ribs.
Hinge
Two bones joined in a way that movement is only possible in one direction, usually at right angles to the bones. So for movement to work one bone surface is convex and the other bones surface is concave. This allows bending and straighening.
Examples of hinge joints are the knee, elbow and ankle.
Pivot
The bone is rounded, pointed or cone-shaped and fits into a ring formed by another bone and ligament. It is constructed in a way that only rotation is possible, hence the name 'pivot' joint.
Examples of pivot joints are between the radius and humerus.
Condyloid
The bone ends make the shape of an elipse and an oval-shaped condyle of one bone fits into the elliptical cavity of another bone. This allows back-and-forth and side-to-side movement.
Examples of condyloid joints are between the carpals and radius and between the metacarpals and phalanges
Saddle
Like a condyloid joint but instead of the bones being elliptical they are shaped like a rider and a 'saddle'. This allows back-and-forth and side-to-side movement.
Examples of a saddle joint are between the carpal and metacarpal.
Ball And Socket
The end of the bone is ball shaped and fits into a socket or a cup-shaped bone. This allows back-and-forth, side-to-side and rotational movement.
Examples of a ball and socket joint are the hip and the shoulder, being a ball and socket joint, this makes it easier to dislocate.
Freely moveable joints like the ball and socket joint have the greatest mobility range but have the most weak points when it comes to stability.