Pivot Joint Definition

Pivot joints are joints that permit rotatory movement of bones, around a single axis. Pivot joint is a synovial joint in which the ends of two bones connect. In this joint, a cylinder-shaped bone rotates inside another ligament that forms a ring around the joint. The joint between the atlas and the axis which is right under the skull, allows the turning of the head from side to side. The rotation of the skull is possible because of pivot joints. The twisting movement of the bones of the forearm, against the upper arm is due to pivot joints.

Implications of Pivot Joints

• The pivot joint located near the elbow, holds the two forearm bones, radius and ulna, together.
• The two bones, radius and ulna, are also connected to each other near the wrist by another pivot joint. These two bones twist around each other by using a pivot joint.
• The pivot joint situated at the base of the skull, connects the first vertebrae of the spine to the second vertebrae. Thereby, allowing the side-to-side rotation of the head.
• A pivot joint permits movement of the bones in one plane, such as rotation around a single axis.
• In the human body, the joint of the wrist that lets the palm of the hand move up and down is possible because of pivot joints.
• Without pivot joints, the skeleton of the human body would lack flexibility and freedom of movement thus, making the movement of the skeleton quite stiff and rigid.

Common disorders

The pivot joint can be affected by the following disorders

1. Ankylosis: It is the fusion of bones across a joint and is a complication of arthritis
2. Ankylosing spondylitis: This is an inflammatory disease that causes some of the bones in the spine to fuse.
3. Capsulitis: Improper foot mechanics, where the ball of the foot might experience excess pressure causes the disorder capsulitis.
4. Dislocation: The displacement of the bone from its normal position.
5. Neoplasms: It is an abnormal growth of tissue which can be classified as characteristics of cancer
6. Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition, which is caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue. This causes inflammation of joints, leading to immobility.

Conclusion

So far we have learnt how pivot joints help in flexibility and freedom of movement to the skeleton of the body. It allows movement of the head from side-to-side, the movement of wrists in up and down direction and twisting of the forearm bones against the upper arm. Therefore, the functioning of pivot joints is essential for smooth movement of joints.

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