Anatomy of Joints: Types, Movements, and Structures

Joint

A joint (articulation) is the place where two or more bones meet.

Fibrous Joints

Movement: Fixed / immovable; Material: Fibrous connective tissue; Example: Skull sutures; Function: Protection and strength.

Cartilaginous Joints

Movement: Slightly movable; Material: Cartilage; Example: Symphysis pubis; Function: Flexibility with support.

Synovial Joints

Movement: Freely movable; Structure: Fluid-filled joint capsule; Example: Knee; Function: Wide range of motion.

Bursae

Small sacs filled with synovial fluid that reduce friction between bones, muscles, and tendons.

Hinge Joint

Movement: Back-and-forth; Example: Elbow.

Pivot Joint

Movement: Rotation; Example: Neck (atlas/axis).

Gliding Joint

Movement: Sliding motions; Example: Wrist.

Ball-and-socket Joint

Movement: Wide range of motion; Example: Shoulder, hip.

Saddle Joint

Movement: Back-and-forth + side-to-side; Example: Thumb.

Condyloid Joint

Movement: Flexion/extension + side-to-side.

Flexion

Decreases joint angle.

Extension

Increases joint angle.

Hyperextension

Extends beyond normal position.

Dorsiflexion

Toes up.

Plantar Flexion

Toes down.

Abduction

Away from midline.

Adduction

Toward midline.

Circumduction

Circular movement of a limb.

Internal Rotation

Toward center.

External Rotation

Away from center.

Supination

Palms up.

Pronation

Palms down.

Inversion

Soles inward.

Eversion

Soles outward.

Protraction

Forward movement.

Retraction

Backward movement.