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Main joints

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

  1. Name the main joints of the upper and lower body.
  2. Identify the articulating bones involved in each main joint of the body.

Watch videos

Joints are connections formed between two or more adjacent bones that hold the skeletal system together and provide varying degrees of movement. They can be classified in several ways, based on either their structure or function.

When considering the type of tissue that binds the bones together, joints can be classified as synovial, fibrous or cartilaginous. Since synovial joints are the most abundant type of joints that provide the body with mobility, they will be the focus of this study unit. Some classic examples of synovial joints include the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle joints.

Watch the video below to find out more about the structure of these joints, which bones they connect and what movements they permit.

If you want to take a step back and learn more about how joints are classified, take a look at the video below.

Take a quiz

Now that you have watched the video about the main joints of the human body, solidify your newly found knowledge by testing yourself with the following quiz.

To challenge yourself further, customize your own quiz on a broader array of topics.

Browse atlas

Take a closer look at the main joints of the human body in the gallery below.

Summary

Key points about the main joints of the human body
Main joints of the upper body Temporomandibular joint: Mandible and temporal bone
Zygapophyseal joints
: Superior and inferior articular process of adjacent vertebrae
Sternoclavicular joint
: Sternum and clavicle
Acromioclavicular joint
: Acromion of scapula and clavicle
Glenohumeral joint
: Humerus and scapula
Elbow joint
: Humerus, radius and ulna
Radiocarpal joint
: Radius and carpal bones
Carpometacarpal joints
: Carpal and metacarpal bones
Metacarpophalangeal joints
: Metacarpal bones and phalanges of hand
Main joints of the lower body Sacroiliac joint: Sacrum and ilium
Hip joint
: Hip bone and femur
Knee joint
: Femur, tibia and patella
Ankle joint
: Tibia, fibula and talus
Subtalar joint
: Talus and calcaneus
Interphalangeal joints
: Phalanges of foot

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