Classifications of Synovial Joints
Ball and socket: The sphereshaped or crescent-shaped joint
end articulates with the cup-like
socket of another. These joints
have the greatest range of motion
providing multi-axial movement.
The shoulder and hip are ball and
socket joints.
Hinge: A cylindrically shaped joint
end articulates with the half-pipe
shaped end of another. This
association will only allow flexion
and extension. The knee and
elbow are hinge joints.
Gliding: The articulating surfaces
of these joints are essentially flat
and allow only small gliding or
slipping movements. The
vertebrae are gliding joints.
Pivot: The cylindrical head of one
bone fits into a sleeve of bone or
ligaments with another bone. This
joint only provides rotational
movement such as pronation and supination. The radioulnar joint where the head of the
radius articulates with the ulna and is secured by a ligamentous ring is a pivot joint.
Condyloid/Ellipsoid: The convex-shaped head of one bone articulates with the concaveshaped surface of another. This joint provides multi-axial movement. The articulation
between the occipital bone of the skull and the atlas bone of the cervical vertebrae is a
condyloid/ellipsoid joint.
Saddle: Similar to condyloid joints but provide a greater degree of freedom. Both joints ends
are shaped like a saddle and articulate to allow flexion, extension, adduction, abduction,
and circumduction. The thumbs are saddle joints.
Fit College
Synovial Joints v1.1 Mar 2012
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