Musculoskeletal System: Joints

• Sutures are immoveable joints that connect the bones of the skull.

• Synovial joints are characterised by the presence of an articular capsule between the two joined bones.

Four (4) types of synovial joints:

• Gliding joints:

  move against each other on a single plane.

  Includes the connection of vertebrae in the vertebral column and the bones of the wrists and ankles.

• Hinge joints:

  Move on just one axis.

  These joints allow for flexion and extension.

  Major hinge joints include the elbow, knee and finger joints

• Pivot joints:

  Provides rotation

  At the top of the spine, the atlas and axis form a pivot joint that allows for rotation of the head.

• Ball-and-socket joints:

  Free moving joints that can rotate on any axis

  The hip and shoulder joints are examples.