Question

What are the joints? Describe various kinds of joints found in the body.

Answer 1

Joints:

1. Joints are the connections between the two bones that help in locomotion in the human body.
2. There are 206 bones present in our skeleton which are joined together by joints.
3. Joints are classified into 5 types based on their function: Fixed or immovable joints, ball and socket joints, hinge joints, pivotal joints, and angular joints.

Fixed or immovable joints:

1. Any type of movement is restricted in fixed joints
2. For example; joints in the cranium bones in the skull,etc.

Ball and socket joints:

1. The ball and socket joint is found in the shoulder, girdle, or arm.
2. In these joints in which one bone is curved into the hollow space of another bone.

Hinge joint:

1. Hinge joints are complex joints in which ends of bones fit into each other in such a way that movement is possible in only one direction.
2. Elbow, and knee are an example of the hinge joint.

Pivotal joint:

1. When bone moves in the ring or around the bone so rotating movement is possible is called a pivotal joint.
2. For example; the skull rotates on the vertebral column.

Gliding joint:

1. Gliding joint is also known as arthrodial joints or plane joint showing gliding movement.
2. Gliding joints are present in between the articulate surfaces of flat bones.
3. These types of joints are present in carpal and tarsal.