Question

The pivot joint between atlas and axis is a type of

• A. fibrous joint
• B. cartilaginous joint
• C. synovial joint
• D. none of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C synovial joint

Joints are the articulations between bones or bone and cartilage. Joints are important for the movement of bony parts. There are three types of joints viz fibrous joints, cartilaginous joints and synovial joints.
1) Fibrous joints-They are commonly found in the skull where flat skull bones are connected by the dense white fibrous connective tissues. This type of joint doesn’t allow any movement. These immovable joints of the skull bones are called sutures.

2) Cartilaginous joints -The bones are joined together with the help of cartilages. This type of joint allows limited movement. Eg- the joint between the adjacent vertebra in the vertebral column.
3) Synovial joints- These are the joints which allow considerable movement as they contain synovial fluid between the spaces of the articulating surfaces of two bones. For example, joints of the shoulder, hip, elbow, etc.

Pivot joint is a type of synovial joint that allows rotatory movements of bones. In this type, two bones connect end to end with each other. The pivot joint is also called a rotatory or trochoid joint. This allows swivelling movement and it is present between the first and second cervical vertebrae i.e. C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis). This is also called an atlanto-axial joint.