6 Types of Synovial Joints

Saddle

Both bones have a concave and convex surface. This unique structure allows the joint to flex, extend, abduct, adduct, circumduct, and very slightly rotate. An example of a saddle joint on the body is the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb.

Hinge

It allows movement only on one axis. The best example of it is the elbow.

Pivot

The pivot joint also allows rotation at only one axis. However, it rotates along the long axis. We can see this when we twist our forearm.

Plane

These surfaces can glide or rotate.They usually come in groups, like the carpals of the hand and the tarsals of the foot. Ligaments hold these bones together, but might allow some rotation and gliding.

Ball & Socket

This simple and effective structure allows it to move in all axes - flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, and circumduction. The two ball and socket joints of the body are at the hip and the shoulder.

Ellipsoid

the ligaments and its oval shape prevent rotation. But it still has the ability to rotate on two axes, which allows flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, circumduction. Circumduction is just a combination of all the others in a circular motion.