JOINT MECHANICS
Articulations are the points of contact between two connected bones
The 3 different types of joints:
1.
•
•
•
Fibrous
Are bound together by connective tissue
Allows no movement
Example: bones of the skull
2.
•
•
•
Cartilaginous/Fibro cartilaginous
The bone of one bone connects to the body of another by means of cartilage
Slight movement is possible
Example: intervertebral discs of the spinal column
3.
•
•
•
Synovial
The bony surfaces are separated by a lubricating fluid (synovial) and by cartilage
They are also joint by ligaments which allows for the most movement
Example: shoulder, knee
6 TYPES OF
SYNOVIAL
JOINTS…
Ellipsoid Joint/Condyloid Joint
• An oval shaped condyle of a bone fits into the cavity of
another bone
• Example: carpals filling into a cavity formed by radius and
ulna
Ellipsoid/Condyloid Joint
• Tarsal (the talus) fitting into the bones of the fibula and
tibia
Ball & Socket Joint
• A ball-like surface fitting into a cup-like (socket) depression
• Example: shoulder and hip
Ball and Socket Joint
• formed between the ball of the femur and the cup-like
projection of the hip
Gliding Joint
• Connects flat or slightly curved bone surfaces
• Examples: joints in the foot (tarsals) and hands (carpals)
Gliding Joint
• formed by the tarsals
Saddle Joint
• The surface of a bone is shaped like a saddle and the other
bone fits into it
• Example: only found in your thumbs
Hinge Joint
• The convex surface of one bone fits into the concave cavity
of another bone
• Example: elbow and knee
Hinge Joint
• Knee joint
Pivot Joint
• A rounded projection of a bone articulates in the ring formed
by another bone
• Example: atlas and axis vertebrae in the neck
Pivot Joint
• formed between the head of the radius (rounded) and the
radial notch of the ulna