Question

Explain the different types of movements made by synovial joints.

Answer 1

Classification of synovial joints and their movements:

1. Ball and socket joint:

• Movement:
  • Multi-axial movements.
  • Free movements in all directions as well as rotatory movements.
  • Flexion and extension; Abduction and adduction; Circumduction and rotation.
• Examples:
  • Shoulder joint → Rotatory or circular movements (360^o)
  • Hip joint → Straight movement

2. Hinge joint:

• Movement:
  • Uniaxial movement (180^o)
  • Movement in one plane and in one direction.
  • Movements similar to hinges of door and windows.
  • Flexion and extension
• Examples:
  • Elbow joint
  • Knee joint

3. Pivot Joint:

• Movement:
  • Uniaxial movement (Rotation only)
• Examples:
  • Atlanto-axial joint (between first and second vertebrae)

4. Gliding joint:

• Movement:
  • Non-axial movement (Irregular)
  • Limited movements
  • Gliding movements
• Examples:
  • Inter-carpal joint
  • Inter-tarsal joint

5. Condyloid joint:

• Movement:
  • Bi-axial movement (forward or backward and side-to-side)
  • Flexion and extension
  • Limited rotation
• Examples:
  • Wrist joint → Between radius and carpal
  • Metacarpophalangeal joint

6. Saddle joint:

• Movement:
  • Bi-axial movements
  • Free movements → lateral, upwards and downwards
  • Movements limited
  • Flexion and extension; Abduction and adduction; Conjunct rotation
• Examples:
  • Carpal (Trapezium) and Metacarpal of thumb.