Question

Name the type of joint between the following.

(a) Atlas/axis

(b) Carpal/metacarpal of thumb

(c) Between phalanges

(d) Femur/acetabulum

(e) Between cranial bones

(f) Between pubic bones in the pelvic girdle

Answer 1

Atlas/axis: Pivotal joint

Pivot joint, also called as rotary joint, or trochoid joint, in vertebrate anatomy, a joint that allows only rotary movement. It is exemplified by the joint between the atlas and the axis (first and second cervical vertebrae), directly under the skull, which allows for turning of the head from side to side.

Carpal/metacarpal of thumb: Saddle joint

A saddle joint is a synovial joint where one of the bones forming the joint is shaped like a saddle with the other bone resting on it like a rider on a horse. Saddle joints provide stability to the bones while providing more flexibility than a hinge or gliding joint.

Between phalanges: Hinge joint

A hinge joint is a common class of synovial joint that includes the ankle, elbow, and knee joints. Hinge joints are formed between two or more bones where the bones can only move along one axis to flex or extend.

Femur/acetabulum: Ball and socket joint

Ball and socket joint is a natural or manufactured joint or coupling, such as the hip joint, in which a partially spherical end lies in a socket, allowing multidirectional movement and rotation.

Between cranial bones: Fibrous joint

Fibrous joints are joints that have no joint cavity and are connected via fibrous connective tissue. The skull bones are connected by fibrous joints.

Between pubic bones in the pelvic girdle: Ball and socket joint

Ball and socket joint is a natural or manufactured joint or coupling, such as the hip joint, in which a partially spherical end lies in a socket, allowing multidirectional movement and rotation.