Types of Joints

A joint is where bones meet and allow movement to occur. There are three broad categories of joint types in the human body.

• Fibrous joints 

• Cartilaginous joints

• Synovial joints 

• Fibrous Joints

  Synovial Joints

• Function is to provide mobility or movement 

• Moveable 

• E.g. elbow, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle joint 

• Synovial joints can be further classified into the following six
  sub-categories: 

• Ball and socket 

• Hinge

• Condyloid 

• Saddle 

• Ellipsoid 

• Pivot
  

  All synovial joints have the following characteristics: 

  • Ligament attaching bones

  • Articular capsule (aka synovium) 

  • Tendon attaching muscle to bones 

  • Synovial membrane (protects joints)

  • Synovial fluid (reduces friction)

  • Cartilage covering the ends of bones (to aid in shock absorption and reduce friction between bones)

  
   

  Part of the joint	Description and role
  Synovial Membrane	Surrounds the joint capsule with a synovial fluid
  Synovial Fluid	Acts as a lubricant that reduces friction in the joint; allows for smoother movement and reduces wear and tear
  Joint Capsule	The structure that surrounds and protects the joint, holding the bones together; made up of an outer fibrous membrane and an inner synovial membrane
  Ligament	The strong, elastic fibres that hold the bones together and keep them in place
  Cartilage	A strong but flexible material found at the end of the bones that acts as a cushion to stop bones knocking together
  Tendon	A tough band of fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone and enables joints to withstand tension