Tutor Resource 3.5
Types of joints
There are three main types of joint and they are outlined in the table below.
Name of joint
Details of joint
Example of joint
Fibrous/fixed
This joint does not allow any movement. The
joint comprises of tough fibrous tissue that sits
between the ends of the bones.
The sutures in the cranium.
Cartilaginous/slightly
movable
This joint allows some movement. The
ends of the bones are protected by a tough
layer of cartilage. This cartilage gives shock
absorption as well as some stability.
The joints between the bones in
the spinal column are an example
of these joints.
Synovial/freely movable
This is the most common type of joint in the
body. The joint allows for a wide range of
movement and is therefore important in all
sports movements. The joint consists of a
joint capsule lined with a synovial membrane.
This membrane secretes synovial fluid, which
lubricates the joint. There are six different
types of synovial joints.
The knee joint. This is classified
as a hinge joint.
Synovial joint
Ligament
Femur
Bone end capped
with articular
cartilage
Capsule
Cartilage
Synovial Membrane
Tibia
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Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership
Tutor Resource 3.5 continued
Classification of synovial joint
There are six types of synovial joint and they are outlined in the table below.
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Synovial joint
Description
Example
Hinge joint
This joint allows movement in one plane only.
Knee joint.
Pivot joint
This joint allows rotation only.
Axis and atlas (neck joint) in
the cervical vertebrae.
Ellipsoid joint
This joint allows movement in two planes.
Carpal bones in the wrist.
Gliding joint
This joint is where two flat surfaces glide across one another.
The joint can move in most directions.
Carpal bones in the wrist.
Saddle joint
This joint is where a concave surface meets a convex
surface. It can move in two planes.
Carpal/metacarpal joint of
the thumb.
Ball and socket
joint
This joint is where a round head fits into a cup-shaped
depression. The joint allows a wide range of movement.
Shoulder joint.
Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership