This document classifies and describes the main types of joints in the human body. It divides joints into four categories: head, trunk, upper limb, and lower limb. For each category it lists the specific joints and indicates whether they are fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial joints. Synovial joints are further divided into typical and atypical types. Brief definitions are provided for the different joint types mentioned.

1. Classification of Joints
Type of joint
Joint - HEAD 2* Synovial Synovial
Fibrous 1* cartilaginous
cartilagenous (typical) (atypical*)
temporomandibular + disc
skull sutures
sphenooccipital
atlantoaxial
atlantooccipital
Type of joint
Joint - TRUNK 2* Synovial Synovial
Fibrous 1* cartilaginous
cartilagenous (typical) (atypical*)
intervertebral
costovertebral
1st-10th costotransverse
11th 12th costotransverse
costochondral
1st sternochondral
2nd-7th sternochondral
sternoclavicular + disc
acromioclavicular
sternomanubrial
xiphisternal
pubic symphysis
sacrococcygeal
sacroiliac
Type of joint
Joint – UPPER LIMB 2* Synovial Synovial
Fibrous 1* cartilaginous
cartilagenous (typical) (atypical*)
Shoulder ball & socket
Elbow hinge
Wrist ellipsoid, disc?
Radioulnar pivot
1st carpometacarpal saddle condyloid
carpometacarpal plane
Interphalangeal hinge
Type of joint
Joint – LOWER LIMB 2* Synovial Synovial
Fibrous 1* cartilaginous
cartilagenous (typical) (atypical*)
Hip Ball & socket
Knee condyloid
Sup. tibiofibular plane
Inf. tibiofibular
Ankle plane
Subtalar – post Plane / ball &
talocalcaneal socket
Subtalar -
ball & socket
talocalcaneonavicular
Fibrous fibrous tissue, rather immobile
1* cartilaginous hyaline cartilage
2* cartilaginous fibrocartilage between layers of hyaline cartilage
Synovial (typical) hyaline cartilage, synovial fluid, potentially disc
Synovial (atypical) fibrocartilage, synovial fluid, potentially disc
C. Riedinger 2011