Types of synovial joints

Types of Synovial Joint

According to shape of adjoining articular surface;

1. Plain/ Gliding

2. Hinge

3. Pivot

4. Condylar ellipsoidal

5. Saddle

6. Ball and socket

1. Plain/ Gliding

Multiaxial joint.

Form between two bones in which articular, or free, surfaces of the bones are flat, enabling bones slide over each other.

For example; intervertebral disc, intercarpal joint

2. Hinge

Uniaxial joint

Bone joint in which articular surfaces are molded to each other in such manner as to permit motion only in one place.

For example; Elbow, knee

3. Pivot

Trochoid

Uniaxial joint

Rotary joint

Bone joint in which articular surface of bone, freely movable. That allow only rotary movement around single axis.

(Composed of rounded or pointed surface of one bone and ring formed by another one.

For example; top of neck (atlas and axis bone)

4. Condylar ellipsoidal

Biaxial joint

Condylar joint is when oval shaped condyle of one bone fits into an elliptical cavity of another one.

For example; wrist joint (radiocarpal joint)

Metacarpophalangeal joints

5. Saddle

Biaxial joint

For example; Carpometa carpal joint at base of thumb.

For example; sterno clavicular joint of chest.

Providing more flexibility than hinge or gliding joint.

6. Ball and socket

Multiaxial joint

Wide range of motion

Joint one rounded surface of (ball) that fits into depression or socket in another bone.

For example; Hip joint, shoulder joint.