VTCT - Synovial Joints

Synovial Joints

Contents Back Next

Unit: Joints

Synovial Joints

Synovial joints are versatile and lubricated to allow the surfaces which are in contact with each other to slide easily. Cartilage covers the bone ends and ligaments and muscles provide stability and movement. The space between the bones is lined by the synovial membrane, this produces synovial fluid which lubricates the joint.

Types of Synovial Joints

Type of Joint	Description	Location in the body
Pivot joint	A side to side movement - one bone rotates within a collar formed by another. Found in the joint between the upper vertebrae and skull allowing the head to move from side to side.	Found in the first cervical vertebrae which allows you to turn your head from side to side.
Hinge joint	Like an opening door – the rounded surface of one bone fits into the groove of another. This provides a bending movement.	Found in the elbow and knee.
Ellipsoidal joint	The oval end of one bone fits into the cap of another allowing varied movement but little rotation.	The wrists.
Ball and socket joint	The rounded head of one bone fits into the cup like cavity of another bone. This allows for the greatest range of movement in all planes.	The shoulder and the hip are both ball and socket joints.
Planar or Plane joint	Surfaces that are almost flat glide over each other, back and forth and side to side	Found in the wrists and ankles.
Saddle joint	A pair of bones in a rider and saddle shape, meeting at right-angles. Allows full rotation and movement back and forth.	Only found at the base of the thumbs.

Back Next