Joint Classifications

Suture

narrow, strong, fibrous connective joint

Synarthrosis

Syndesmosis

two parallel bones joined by fibrous connective tissue

Amphiarthrosis

Gomphosis

specialized fibrous joint that anchors root of tooth into bony socket

Synarthrosis

Synchondroses

temporary or permanent joint held together by hyaline cartilage

Synarthrosis

Symphysis

joined by fibrocartilage

Amphiarthrosis

Pivot joint

a rounded portion of bone is enclosed within a ring that is formed by its articulation with another bone and ligament

Uniaxial diarthrosis

Hinge joint

convex end of one bone articulates with the concave end of an adjoining bone

Uniaxial, diarthrosis

Condyloid joint

shallow depression articulates with a rounded structure

Biaxial, diarthrosis

Saddle joint

articulation between a very concave and a very convex bone

Biaxial, diarthrosis

Plane joint

articulating surfaces are flat and roughly the same size

Nonaxial, diarthrotic

Ball-and-Socket joint

rounded head fits into a concave articulation

Multiaxial, diarthrotic