The document provides an overview of joint classification and their functions, detailing three main types: fibrous, cartilage, and synovial joints. It describes the characteristics and movement capabilities of each joint type, with synovial joints being the most versatile, allowing various movements due to their specialized structure. Additionally, the document outlines specific types of synovial joints including hinge, pivot, and ball-and-socket joints.

1. Understanding Joint
Classification
Dr.Ayesha
(physiotherapist)

2. Introduction to Joints: Classification and
Functions
• Definition:
• A joint, also known as an articulation, refers to the point where two or
more bones meet in the body.
• Importance:
• Joints play a crucial role in enabling movement and providing
structural support to the body.

3. Fibrous Joints :
• Description:
• Fibrous joints are characterized by the presence of fibrous connective
tissue that tightly holds the bones together.
• Movement:
• These joints allow for very little to no movement.
• Examples:
• Skull sutures and the joints between the bones of the lower leg
(inferior tibiofibular joints).

5. Cartilage Joints
• Description:
• Cartilage joints contain cartilaginous tissue between the articulating
bones.
• Types:
• Synchondroses:
• Temporary joints where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage, like
the epiphyseal plate in growing bones.

7. • Symphyses:
• Permanent joints where bones are connected by fibrocartilage,
allowing limited movement, such as the pubic symphysis.
• Movement:
• Synchondroses typically allow no movement, while symphyses permit
slight movement.

8. Synovial Joints
• Description:
• Synovial joints are the most common type of joints in the body and are
characterized by a synovial cavity filled with synovial fluid.
• Structure:
• Articular Surfaces: Covered with hyaline cartilage.

10. • Synovial Membrane:
• Lines the joint cavity and produces synovial fluid for lubrication.
• Capsule:
• Surrounds the joint, consisting of an outer fibrous layer and an inner
synovial membrane.
• Function:
• Synovial joints allow for a wide range of movements due to their
unique structure and lubrication.

11. Function of Synovial Joints
• Movement: Synovial joints facilitate various types of movements,
including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, and
circumduction.
• Structures Aiding Movement:
• Articular Discs/Wedges:
• Found in some synovial joints like the knee, providing stability and
shock absorption.

12. • Fatty Pads:
• Serve as cushions between the synovial membrane and bones,
enhancing joint stability.
• Ligaments:
• Fibrous bands that reinforce the joint capsule, limiting excessive
movement and providing stability.

13. Types of Synovial Joints
• Plane Joint:
• Articular surfaces are flat or nearly flat, allowing sliding movements in multiple directions
(e.g., intercarpal joints).
• Hinge Joint:
• Resembles the hinge of a door, permitting uniaxial flexion-extension movements (e.g.,
elbow joint).
• Pivot Joint:
• Rotation is the only movement possible around a central pivot (e.g., atlantoaxial joint).
• Condyloid Joint:
• Articular surfaces are convex and concave, allowing biaxial movements (e.g.,
metacarpophalangeal joints).

14. • Ellipsoid Joint:
• Allows mainly biaxial movements due to elliptical articulating surfaces (e.g.,
radiocarpal joint).
• Saddle Joint:
• Articular surfaces resemble a rider on a saddle, enabling multiaxial movements
(e.g., carpometacarpal joint of the thumb).
• Ball-and-Socket Joint:
• One bone has a spherical head that fits into a socket-like depression in another
bone, allowing multiaxial movements (e.g., hip joint).