Joints of the human body
Joints of the human body

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Joints are the point of contact (articulations)
between two connecting bones.
The stability and the integrity of joints are
maintained by strands of connective tissue
called ligaments, which hold bones together.
Classification of Joints

Structural classification of joints
recognize three types of joints.
Fibrous Joints
Cartilaginous Joints
Synovial Joints
Classification of Joints (Structure)
Joint types
Fibrous Joints
Cartilaginous
Joints:
Synovial
Joints:
Description
Examples
Bound tightly together by
connective tissue and allow no
movement.
The sutures
between the bones
of the skull (vault)
The body of one bone connects with
the body of another by means of
cartilage. These joints can absorb
shock, and allow slight movement.
The intervertebral
disks of the
vertebral column
& Symphysis pubis
Joints that allow the greatest range
of motion.
Bony surfaces are separated by a
lubricating fluid and by cartilage.
They are also joined by ligaments
that enclose the end of articulating
bones and form the capsule
containing the synovial membrane
Knee joint
Shoulder joint
Hip joint
Etc.
Characteristics of a Synovial Joint
1. Articulating cartilage:
 The hyaline cartilage located at the ends of the
bones allow for smooth contact surfaces for bones
to move.
 They also act as shock absorbers
Characteristics of a Synovial Joint
2.
Joint capsule:

Consists of a synovial membrane and a fibrous
capsule.
Synovial membrane:
 Allows certain nutrients to pass through
Fibrous capsule:
 Keeps synovial fluid is
Characteristics of a Synovial Joint
3.
Joint Cavity

Located between to bony surfaces, this cavity is
filled with synovial fluid which lubricates the
joint.

This lubricant reduces friction between the bones,
and also provides nutrients for the articulating
cartilage
Characteristics of a Synovial Joint
4. Bursae
 These small fluid-filled sacs are found at friction
points between ligaments, tendons, and bones.
 They provide cusion, reduce friction and allow free
movement in the joint.
Characteristics of a Synovial Joint
5.
Intrinsic Ligaments

6.
Thick bands of connective tissue that reinforce
the joint capsule
Extrinsic Ligaments

Seperate from the joint capsule, they help
reinforce the joint by attaching the bones
together
Types of Synovial Joints
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
Synovial joints are often distinguished by
the kind of movement the joint permits.
There are 6 types of synovial joints:
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Hinge Joints
Pivot Joints
Ellipsoid (Condyloid) Joints
Saddle Joints
Ball and socket Joints
Plane (Glidding) Joints
Hinge Joints
Unilateral Joint
 One articulating surface
is convex and the other
is concave

Examples:
 Humero-ulnar joint
 Interphalangeal joints (fingers)
Pivot Joints
Unilateral Joint
 One bone rotates around
one axis

Example:
 atlantoaxial joint
 Radioulnar joint
Ellipsoid (Condyloid) Joints

Bilateral
 (flexion-extension, abduction-adduction)

One surface is a ovular convex shape,
and the other is a reciprocally concave
surface.
Saddle Joint

Bilateral
 (flexion-extension, abduction-adduction)

Bone are set together as in sitting on a
horse
Example
 Carpometacarpal joint
Ball and Socket Joint
Trilateral
 A rounded bone is fitted into a cup-like
receptacle

Examples:
 Iliofemoral joint
 Glenohumeral joint
Gliding Joint
Unilateral
 Joint permits gliding movements
 The bone surfaces are nearly flat, so the
only movement allowed is a gliding
action

Types of Synovial Joints