Types of synovial joints: want to learn more about it?
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Types of synovial joints
Learning objectives
Working through this study unit will allow you to:
- Name the 6 types of synovial joints.
- Identify examples for each synovial joint type.
- Discover the axes of movement allowed by each type of synovial joint.
Watch video
Synovial joints are freely movable joints. They give the human body its mobility. There are 6 different types of synovial joints, each of which is named for its shape. The movements allowed at a synovial joint are determined by the shape of the articulating bone ends, along with the joint capsule, its supporting ligaments and the muscles that cross the joint.
Take a quiz
Now that you’ve watched the video, test what you have learned with our tailored synovial joints type quiz! And if you want to test your broader terminology knowledge, give the custom quiz a go.
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Browse atlas
:watermark(/images/watermark_5000_10percent.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/atlas_overview_image/1956/nqXAzeTXK5I7oPq698mIzQ_types-of-synovial-joints_1.jpg "Synovial joints: There are six types of synovial joints in the human body. These are classified based on the shape of their articulating surfaces and the movements they allow. Ball and socket joints are formed by a round ball sitting within a concave socket, allowing multiaxial movement. An example is the hip joint. Ellipsoid joints have an oval shaped convex surface articulating with a shallow concavity, allowing movements in two axes. Examples of ellipsoid joints are the metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand and metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot. Hinge joints, such as the knee, are formed by the cylindrical end of one bone fitting into the slightly hollow end of another. They allow flexion - extension movements around one axis. In pivot joints, the rounded end of one bone fits within a bony ring formed by the other. These are uniaxial joints, an example being the medial atlantoaxial joint in the upper neck. Saddle joints are formed by closely-fitting, deeply concave and convex bone ends. They allow bi-axial movement. The first carpometacarpal joint of the thumb is an example. Plane joints have flat articular surfaces and allow gliding movements in any direction (nonaxial). The carpal joints of the hand are examples of plane joints."){kind=logo}
Now that you’re familiar with the differences between the various types of synovial joints, explore each one in detail with the atlas gallery.
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/ball-and-socket-joint/r230ndsudSfv3l0exLPkog_Ball_and_Socket_Joint.png "Ball and socket joint (Articulatio sphaeroidea)"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/gliding-joint/0l7RDXDr4OUdRaVojCsoQ_Gliding_Joint.png "Plane joint (Articulatio plana)"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/hinge-joint/WF92kIRQyj3qzC0MBfHM9Q_Hinge_joint.png "Hinge joint (Ginglymus)"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/pivot-joint/6zYt0TJNvnk4Svr8eQjGTw_Pivot_Joint.png "Pivot joint (Articulatio trochoidea)"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/saddle-joint/LU1bEcSp909Z0dQzfxdzg_Saddle_Joint.png "Saddle joint (Articulatio sellaris)"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/ellipsoid-joint/Em2W5Xz4fM597Hlb4A1g_Ellipsoid_Joint.png "Ellipsoid joint (Articulatio ellipsoidea)"){kind=logo}
Summary
| Six types of synovial joints | Plane, pivot, hinge, saddle, ellipsoid, ball and socket |
| Examples of synovial joints | Plane joint: acromioclavicular joint, intercarpal joints Pivot joint: median atlantoaxial joint, radioulnar joints Hinge joint: elbow joint, knee joint, ankle joint Saddle joint: carpometacarpal joint of thumb Ellipsoid joint: radiocarpal joint, metacarpophalangeal joints Ball and socket joint: hip joint, shoulder joint |
| Axes of movement | Nonaxial: plane joints Uniaxial: pivot joints, hinge joints Biaxial: saddle joints, ellipsoid joints Multiaxial: ball and socket joints |
Well done!
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Continue your learning
Learn about the different elements that make up a synovial joint in this study unit.
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