6. Joints and their types

Bones are rigid structures that cannot be bent or rotated. But still, we can do so with the help of joints. Hence, joints play a prominent role in the movement and locomotion of animals such as humans.

 

These joints are of different types and are broadly categorised based on the kind of movement they allow. They are the fixed, slightly movable and freely movable joints.

It is a joint with a varying degree of movements possible between the two bones that form the joint. These joints are of six major types as follows:

 

 

  

In this joint, a ball-like surface of the bone fits into the cup-like hollow space of the other. It is a joint that allows movement in all the directions. With these joints, movements can occur in three planes. Hence it is a joint that allows the greatest range of movement.

  

It is a joint in which the cylindrical protrusion of one bone articulates with a trough-shaped depression of an adjacent bone. In these joints, the movements are restricted to one plane. Hence it allows bending and straightening only.

 

  

In this joint, a round or pointed structure of one bone articulates with a ring-shaped structure of the adjacent bone (Radius Ulna). In the regions where this type of joint is present, the movement is restricted to one plane. These joints allow rotation about its longitudinal axis only.

This joint connects the neck with the head, where the spine region begins (Atlas/Axis joint at the top).

 

 

  

It is a joint similar to the ball and socket joint as in this joint, an ovoid articular surface or condyle is received into an elliptical cavity. But the bones forming of this joint have much flatter articulating surfaces forming a much shallower joint.

This joint allows movement to occur in two planes and hence, is the joint that allows the second greatest range of movement.

  

 

5.Gliding joint:

 

In this joint the articulating surfaces are almost flat and are of similar size. This joint allows movement in three planes: up and down, left and right, and diagonally.

It is found between the bony processes of the vertebrae of the spine.

  

In this joint one part is concave, i.e., it turns at one end and looks like a saddle. The other end is convex (turned outward) and appears like a rider in a saddle.

In this joint, movements such as flexion-extension and abduction-adduction are observed.

This joint is seen in the thumb, shoulder, and inner ear.