Structure and Functional Classification of
Joints, Types of Joint Movements, and
Articulations
1. Introduction
Joints, also called articulations, are the connections between bones
that allow movement and provide mechanical support. They play a
crucial role in the mobility, stability, and flexibility of the skeletal
system.
Joints are classified based on:
Structure – The type of connective tissue and the
presence/absence of a joint cavity.
Function – The degree of movement permitted.
2. Structural Classification of Joints
Structural classification is based on the type of connective tissue
binding the bones and whether a joint cavity is present.
2.1 Fibrous Joints (Synarthrosis – Immovable Joints)
Bones are joined by dense fibrous connective tissue.
No joint cavity, making them strong but immobile.
Examples:
o Sutures (Skull bones)
o Syndesmoses (Between radius and ulna)
o Gomphosis (Tooth socket)
2.2 Cartilaginous Joints (Amphiarthrosis – Slightly Movable Joints)
Bones are joined by cartilage, providing limited movement.
No joint cavity is present.
Examples:
o Synchondroses (Hyaline cartilage, e.g., rib-sternum
joint)
o Symphyses (Fibrocartilage, e.g., pubic symphysis,
intervertebral discs)
2.3 Synovial Joints (Diarthrosis – Freely Movable Joints)
Most common type of joint, allowing free movement.
Bones are separated by a fluid-filled joint cavity, reducing
friction.
Examples: Knee, elbow, shoulder, hip joints.
Structure of Synovial Joints:
1. Articular Cartilage – Covers bone ends, reducing friction.
2. Joint Capsule – Encloses the joint cavity.
3. Synovial Membrane – Produces synovial fluid for lubrication.
4. Synovial Fluid – Reduces friction and nourishes cartilage.
5. Ligaments & Tendons – Provide stability and support.
3. Functional Classification of Joints
Functional classification is based on the degree of movement
permitted.
Functional Degree of
Example
Classification Movement
Synarthrosis Immovable Skull sutures, tooth socket
Intervertebral discs, pubic
Amphiarthrosis Slightly movable
symphysis
Diarthrosis Freely movable Shoulder, knee, hip joints
4. Types of Joints Based on Movement (Synovial Joints)
Synovial joints are further classified based on the type of movement
they allow:
4.1 Plane (Gliding) Joint
Flat surfaces slide over each other.
Example: Intercarpal and intertarsal joints.
4.2 Hinge Joint
Allows movement in one plane (like a door hinge).
Example: Elbow, knee, ankle joints.
4.3 Pivot Joint
Rotational movement around a central axis.
Example: Atlas-axis (C1-C2 vertebrae), radioulnar joint.
4.4 Condyloid (Ellipsoid) Joint
Allows movement in two planes (flexion-extension, abduction-
adduction).
Example: Wrist joint (radiocarpal joint).
4.5 Saddle Joint
Resembles a saddle shape, permitting greater movement than
condyloid joints.
Example: Carpometacarpal joint of the thumb.
4.6 Ball-and-Socket Joint
Most mobile joint, allowing movement in all planes.
Example: Shoulder and hip joints.
5. Types of Joint Movements
Joints facilitate a variety of movements categorized into:
5.1 Angular Movements
Flexion: Decreasing the angle (e.g., bending elbow).
Extension: Increasing the angle (e.g., straightening knee).
Hyperextension: Extension beyond normal range (e.g., bending
head backward).
Abduction: Moving away from the body's midline (e.g., raising arm).
Adduction: Moving toward the body's midline (e.g., lowering arm).
5.2 Rotational Movements
Rotation: Bone pivots around its axis (e.g., turning the head).
Medial Rotation: Turning inward (e.g., rotating arm towards the
body).
Lateral Rotation: Turning outward (e.g., rotating arm away from
the body).
5.3 Special Movements
Circumduction: Circular movement (e.g., moving arm in a circle).
Pronation: Palm facing downward.
Supination: Palm facing upward.
Inversion: Sole of the foot turns inward.
Eversion: Sole of the foot turns outward.
Dorsiflexion: Lifting foot upwards.
Plantarflexion: Pointing foot downward.
Protraction: Moving a body part forward (e.g., pushing jaw out).
Retraction: Moving a body part backward (e.g., pulling jaw in).
Elevation: Raising a body part (e.g., shrugging shoulders).
Depression: Lowering a body part (e.g., opening the mouth).
6. Articulations and Their Functions
Articulations refer to the points where bones meet and interact.
They are crucial for:
Providing movement – Synovial joints allow flexibility.
Stability and weight-bearing – Cartilaginous and fibrous joints
offer strong support.
Shock absorption – Joints like intervertebral discs cushion
impact.
6.1 Examples of Major Articulations
Joint Type Movement Allowed
Shoulder Ball-and- Flexion, extension, abduction,
(Glenohumeral) Joint socket rotation
Elbow Joint Hinge Flexion, extension
Joint Type Movement Allowed
Ball-and-
Hip Joint Wide range of motion
socket
Flexion, extension, slight
Knee Joint Hinge
rotation
Flexion, extension, abduction,
Wrist Joint Condyloid
adduction
Atlantoaxial Joint
Pivot Rotation (shaking head ‘no’)
(Neck)
7. Clinical Aspects & Joint Disorders
7.1 Arthritis (Joint Inflammation)
Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of cartilage.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Autoimmune attack on joints.
7.2 Dislocations (Luxation)
Occurs when bones are forced out of alignment (e.g., shoulder
dislocation).
7.3 Sprains & Strains
Sprain: Ligament damage.
Strain: Muscle or tendon injury.
7.4 Gout
Uric acid crystal deposits in joints, causing inflammation and
pain.
