Types of Synovial Joints

The human skeletal system consists of all of the bones,
cartilage, tendons, and ligaments in

the body. Altogether, the skeleton makes up about 20 percent of a person’s body weight.
An adult’s skeleton contains 206 bones. Children’s skeletons actually contain more bones
because some of them, including those of the skull, fuse together as they grow up.
There are also some differences in the male and female skeleton. The male skeleton is usually
longer and has a high bone mass. The female skeleton, on the other hand, has a broader
pelvis to accommodate for pregnancy and child birth.
Types of Synovial Joints
Synovial joints are further classified into six different categories on the basis of the shape and
structure of the joint. The shape of the joint affects the type of movement permitted by the
joint (Figure 1). These joints can be described as planar, hinge, pivot, condyloid, saddle, or
ball-and-socket joints.
Figure 1. Different types of joints allow different types of movement. Planar, hinge, pivot, condyloid, saddle,
and ball-and-socket are all types of synovial joints.
Planar Joints
Planar joints have bones with articulating surfaces that are flat or slightly curved faces.
These joints allow for gliding movements, and so the joints are sometimes referred to as
gliding joints. The range of motion is limited in these joints and does not involve rotation.
Planar joints are found in the carpal bones in the hand and the tarsal bones of the foot, as well
as between vertebrae (Figure 2).
Figure 2. The joints of the carpal bones in the wrist are examples of planar joints. (credit: modification of
work by Brian C. Goss)
Hinge Joints
In hinge joints, the slightly rounded end of one bone fits into the slightly hollow end of the
other bone. In this way, one bone moves while the other remains stationary, like the hinge of
a door. The elbow is an example of a hinge joint. The knee is sometimes classified as a
modified hinge joint (Figure 3).
Figure 3. The elbow joint, where the radius articulates with the humerus, is an example of a hinge joint.
(credit: modification of work by Brian C. Goss)
Pivot Joints
Figure 4. The joint in the neck that allows the head to move back and forth is an example of a pivot joint.
Pivot joints consist of the rounded end of one bone fitting into a ring formed by the other
bone. This structure allows rotational movement, as the rounded bone moves around its own
axis. An example of a pivot joint is the joint of the first and second vertebrae of the neck that
allows the head to move back and forth (Figure 4). The joint of the wrist that allows the palm
of the hand to be turned up and down is also a pivot joint.
Condyloid Joints
Condyloid joints consist of an oval-shaped end of one bone fitting into a similarly oval-
shaped hollow of another bone (Figure 5). This is also sometimes called an ellipsoidal joint.
This type of joint allows angular movement along two axes, as seen in the joints of the wrist
and fingers, which can move both side to side and up and down.
Figure 5. The metacarpophalangeal joints in the finger are examples of condyloid joints. (credit:
modification of work by Gray’s Anatomy)
Saddle Joints
Saddle joints are so named because the ends of each bone resemble a saddle,
with concave and convex portions that fit together. Saddle joints allow angular
movements similar to condyloid joints but with a greater range of motion. An
example of a saddle joint is the thumb joint, which can move back and forth and up
and down, but more freely than the wrist or fingers (Figure 6).
Figure 6. The carpometacarpal joints in the thumb are examples of saddle joints. (credit: modification of
work by Brian C. Goss)
Ball-and-Socket Joints
Ball-and-socket joints possess a rounded, ball-like end of one bone fitting into a

cuplike socket of another bone. This organization allows the greatest range of
motion, as all movement types are possible in all directions. Examples of ball-and-
socket joints are the shoulder and hip joints (Figure 7).
Figure 7. The shoulder joint is an example of a ball-and-socket joint.
A joint or articulation (or articular surface) is the connection made between bones in the

body which link the skeletal system into a functional whole. They are constructed to allow for
different degrees and types of movement. Some joints, such as the knee, elbow, and shoulder,
are self-lubricating, almost frictionless, and are able to withstand compression and maintain
heavy loads while still executing smooth and precise movements. Other joints such
as sutures between the bones of the skull permit very little movement (only during birth) in
order to protect the brain and the sense organs. The connection between a tooth and
the jawbone is also called a joint, and is described as a fibrous joint known as a gomphosis.
Joints are classified both structurally and functionally
Structural classification (binding tissue)
Types of joints based upon their structure :
 Cartilaginous joint
 Fibrous joint
 Synovial joint.
Structural classification names and divides joints according to the type of binding tissue that
connects the bones to each other. There are three structural classifications of joints :
 fibrous joint – joined by dense regular connective tissue that is rich in collagen
fibers[6]
 cartilaginous joint – joined by cartilage. There are two types: primary cartilaginous
joints composed of hyaline cartilage, and secondary cartilaginous joints composed of
hyaline cartilage covering the articular surfaces of the involved bones
with fibrocartilage connecting them.
 synovial joint – not directly joined – the bones have a synovial cavity and are united
by the dense irregular connective tissue that forms the articular capsule that is
normally associated with accessory ligaments.[6]
Functional classification (movement)

Joints can also be classified functionally according to the type and degree of movement they
allow : Joint movements are described with reference to the basic anatomical planes.
 synarthrosis – permits little or no mobility. Most synarthrosis joints are fibrous

joints (e.g., skull sutures).
 amphiarthrosis – permits slight mobility. Most amphiarthrosis joints are cartilaginous
joints (e.g., intervertebral discs).
 synovial joint (also known as a diarthrosis) – freely movable. Synovial joints can in
turn be classified into six groups according to the type of movement they allow: plane
joint, ball and socket joint, hinge joint, pivot joint, condyloid joint and saddle joint.

Types of Synovial Joints

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Types of Synovial Joints

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What are the different types of synovial joints?

What are the characteristics of hinge joints?

The human skeletal system consists of all of the bones,

cartilage, tendons, and ligaments in

Types of Synovial Joints

Ball-and-socket joints possess a rounded, ball-like end of one bone fitting into a

A joint or articulation (or articular surface) is the connection made between bones in the

Functional classification (movement)

 synarthrosis – permits little or no mobility. Most synarthrosis joints are fibrous

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