Types of Joints

A joint is formed where two bones meet. They support movements of the body and can be classified according to:

1. Range of motion

2. Type of tissue present

Synovial Joints


Synovial joints are completely movable joints, they are fibrous capsules that contain synovial fluid. They can be further classified as follows:

  1. Hinge joints

    • Movement in one plane such as flexion and extension

  2. Pivot joints

    • Rotational movements around a central pivot

  3. Plane

    • Gliding movements of bones on flat articular surfaces

  4. Saddle

    • Opposing concave and convex articular surfaces (resembling a saddle)

  5. Condyloid

    • Articulation of a convex surfaces with a concave elliptical cavity

  6. Ball and Socket

    • Movement in many planes such as flexion and extension and rotation

    • Articulation of a ball-shaped bone with a socket-shaped depression in another bone