Question

What are the different types of joints ? Give one example of each type

Answer 1

Different type of joints in the human body can be classified as planar, hinge, pivot, condyloid, saddle, or ball-and-socket joints.

Ball-and-socket joints consist of a rounded, ball-like end of one bone fitting into a cup-like socket of another bone. This makes bones to move the greatest range of motion, as all movement types are possible in all directions. Examples of ball-and-socket joints are the shoulder and hip joints.

The ends of each bone resemble a saddle by which the name came as saddle joint, with concave and convex portions that fit together. These joints allow angular movements similar to condyloid joints but with a greater range of motion. An example of a saddle joint is the thumb joint, which can move back and forth and up and down but more freely than the wrist or fingers.

Condyloid joints also called an ellipsoid joint consists of an oval-shaped end of one bone fitting into a similarly oval-shaped hollow of another bone. This type of joint allows angular movement along two axes, as seen in the joints of the wrist and fingers, which can move both sides to the side and up and down.

Pivot joints consist of the rounded end of one bone fitting into a ring formed by the other bone. This joint allows rotational movement, as the rounded bone moves around its own axis. An example of a pivot joint is the joint of the first and second vertebrae of the neck that allows the head to move back and forth. The joint of the wrist that allows the palm of the hand to be turned up and down is also a pivot joint.

In hinge joints, the slightly rounded end of one bone fits into the slightly hollow end of the other bone. In this way, one bone moves while the other remains stationary, like the hinge of a door. The elbow is an example of a hinge joint. The knee is also sometimes called as a modified hinge joint.

Planar joints have bones with articulating surfaces that are flat or slightly curved faces. These joints allow for gliding movements, and so the joints are sometimes referred to as gliding joints. There is limited range of motion is in these joints and does not involve rotation. Planar joints are found in the carpal bones in the hand and the tarsal bones of the foot, as well as between vertebrae.