Joints of the Body

Connective TissueIs classed as soft tissueIs flexible (to a degree)

CARTILAGEIs only slightly elasticCoats the ends of bones in Synovial JointsThe end of your nose and the tips of your ears are both made of Cartilage

LigamentsCross over joints, joining bone to bone.Slightly elasticMain function is to provide stability at the joint

TendonsAre NOT elastic, but are very strong.Anchor muscle to bone

Types of JointsThe main types of joints are:

1. Fibrous- immovable/fused (skull, pelvis)

2. Cartilaginous- semi-moveable (pubic bones, ribs to sternum)

3. Synovial- freely moveable (shoulder, knee, ankle)

Cartilaginous Joint

Synovial JointsThese are the interesting ones!

The features of Synovial Joints include:

Hyaline Cartilage- lines the bones, protects & reduces friction

Joint Capsule- surrounds the joint, adds stability & seals the joint

Synovial Membrane- lines the joint capsule & secretes Synovial Fluid

Synovial Joints

Synovial Fluid- lubricates the joint

Ligaments- holds bones together &

controls movement

A Typical Synovial Joint

Types of Synovial Joints

1. Ball & Socket: Shoulder & Hip2. Pivot: Neck (Atlas & Axis vertebrae)3. Saddle: Base of the Thumb4. Hinge: Knee & Elbow5. Gliding: Ankle6. Condyloid: Wrist

Types of Synovial Joints

Hinge Joint Saddle Joint

Ball in Socket

Gliding Joint

Pivot Joint

Ovoid Joint

(Condyloid)

Ball and socket Joint

Able to move in all direction.Also known as a multi-axial joint.ie: Shoulder Joint

Pivot joint

Has only one axis and allows rotational movement only.ie: Neck

Hinge Joint

Has only one axis and allows flexion and extension only.ie: Elbow Joint

Gliding joint

Exists where bones with flat surfaces meet.It allows sideways, foreword and backward movement.

Saddle joint

Is a bi-axial joint.Moves sideways and back and forth.

Ellipsoid or Condyloid Joint

Often classified as a hinge joint.Allows a small amount of rotation.ie: Knee Joint