synovial joint types

plane joint

slide and glide, usually uniaxial

two flat surfaces with fluid in between them

ex. acromioclavicular joint

hinge joint

flexion and extension only - uniaxial

ex. humero ulnar joint

saddle joint

saddle shaped heads permit movement in 2 different planes, but one motion will always be greater than the other (biaxial)

ex. sternoclavicular joint and carpalmetacarpal joint

condyloid

flattened saddle allow more movement

permits flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, and circumduction (biaxial)

ball and socket joint

rounded head fits into concavity allowing movement on several axes

needs the most stability

ex. shoulder joint and hip joint

pivot joint

peg in hole - a round process of bone fits into a bony ligamentous socket and allows rotation

ex. C1 on C2