Articulations of the body

Articulation – A joint, or point of contact between bones 3 major categories based on function or structure. For this class we will focus on structure.

3 types of joints Fibrous Joints with differing amounts of connective tissues. Some of these joints have limited movement but most are fixed and have no movement

3 types of joints Cartilaginous – Bones that articulate and are formed using hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage. These joints have very limited movement and usually only in certain circumstances.

3 types of articulations Synovial – freely movable joints. Most numerous and most complex joints. Majority of the joints between bones in the appendicular skeleton are synovial Examples – Elbow, knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, etc.

Type Movement Example UNIAXIAL Around one axis Hinge Flexion and Extension only Elbow Pivot Rotation C1 and C2 BIAXIAL Around 2 Axes Saddle Flexion, extension in one plane; abduction/adduction in other Thumb between 1st metacarpal and carpal Condyloid Flexion and extension in one plane; abduction/adduction in other Joint between Radius and Carpals Multiaxial Many Axes Ball and socket Widest range of movements flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, rotation Shoulder and Hip Gliding Gliding movements no angular or circular movements Between vertebrae, between carpals, between tarsals