6 Types of Synovial Joints

condyloid

-oval-shaped condyle of one bone articulates with elliptical cavity of another -variety of movements, no rotation ex. metacarpals and phalanges

hinge

-surface of one bone articulates with concave surface of another -flexion and extension ex. elbow, phalanges

gliding

-articulating surfaces flat or slightly curved -sliding or twisting ex. wrist and ankle bones, sternum to clavicle

saddle

-concave surface in one direction and convex in another -back and forth, side to side ex. thumb, 1st metacarpal and trapezium

pivot

-cylindrical surface of one bone articulates with ring of bone and ligament -rotation around central axis ex. atlas, axis, proximal articulation of radius and ulna

Ball and Socket

ball-shapped head of one bone articulates with cup-shaped cavity of another -all planes and rotation -hip and shoulder