Ball and Socket Joint

What is a ball and socket joint?

Ball and socket joint is a natural or manufactured joint or coupling in which a
partially spherical end lies in a socket/ depression of another bone, allowing
more multidirectional movement and rotation than any other kind of joint.

Where can the ball and socket joint be found?

Examples are found in
● the hip, where the round head of the femur (ball) rests in the cup-like
acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis
● the shoulder joint, where the rounded upper extremity of the humerus
(ball) rests in the cup-like glenoid fossa (socket) of the shoulder blade.

Shoulder Joint

Hip Joint

Range of movement of ball and socket

joint
They have the greatest range of motion. They allow for flexion and extension
(increasing and decreasing the angle between two body parts). Movement in
all directions is allowed.

Structure of joint?
A ball and socket joint is made up of a round end of one bone that fits into a
small cup-like area
of another bone.
 SYNOVIAL JOINTS

Definition
A synovial joint is a type of joint that is found between bones that move
against each other. These joints allow bones to slide past or rotate around
each other when moving.

Where are synovial joints found?

They are found in the joints of your limbs

Examples
-Elbow
-Hip
-Knee
-Shoulder

Structure

The bones of a synovial joint are surrounded by a synovial capsule, which

secretes synovial fluid to lubricate and nourish the joint while acting as a
shock absorber.

The ends of the joint bones are covered with smooth, glass-like hyaline
cartilage which reduces friction during movement.

A synovial joint contains a synovial cavity and dense, irregular connective

tissue that forms the articular capsule.
How it works
Synovial joints are the only joints that have a space between the adjoining
bones. This space is referred to as the synovial (or joint) cavity and is filled
with synovial fluid. Synovial fluid lubricates the joint, reducing friction between
the bones and allowing for greater movement. The ends of the bones are
covered with articular cartilage, and the entire joint is surrounded by an
articular capsule composed of connective tissue that allows movement of the
joint while resisting dislocation. Articular capsules may also possess ligaments
that hold the bones together. Synovial joints allow bones to slide past each
other or to rotate around each other. This produces movements called
abduction (away), adduction (towards), extension (open), flexion (close), and
rotation.

Range of movement
Ligaments allow for normal movements at a joint, but limit the range of these
motions, thus preventing excessive or abnormal joint movements.
GLIDING JOINTS

Definition: Gliding joints are joints where the bones can slide over each other
producing movements. They have slightly curved or flat surfaces, which allows
the bones to glide past one another in any direction along the plane of the joint
(up and down, left and right, and diagonally). They can only move smoothly
with lubrication. As a synovial joint, the gliding joint uses synovial fluid and
articular cartilage to lubricate and pad the movement of bones. Another
structure called the bursa also secretes a
small amount of fluid to keep the cartilage moist. Articular cartilage is a type of
hyaline cartilage that surrounds the articular surfaces of the bones, protecting
them from rubbing and wearing down.

Range of motion: The unique, flat shape of the articulating surfaces in a

gliding joint lets the bones slide over one another, often allowing a large range
of motion, however it is a partially movable joint, and has the least mobility of
all synovial joints. The shape of a gliding joint is ideal for gliding motions.

What does the joint do: Because of the type of movement, they allow
freedom of movement and provide flexibility to the skeleton.

Where it’s found: They are found between the surfaces of two flat bones,
held together by ligaments. The primary places in the human body that you
will find gliding joints are in the ankles, wrist, and spine.They move by gliding
against each other.

Examples: Carpals of the hands (wrist), tarsals of the foot (ankle), the clavicle
(collarbones) as well as between vertebrae (spine).
 HINGE JOINT

DEFINITION:

A hinge joint is a type of synovial (freely movable) joint that exists in the body
and serves to allow motion primarily in one plane, which is one direction, back
and forth much like a hinge in a door.

STRUCTURE:

The hinge joint is made up of 2 or more bones with articular surfaces that are
covered by cartilage and lubricated by synovial fluid.

LOCATION:

Hinge joints are located in the ankles, toes, knees, fingers and elbows.

HOW IT WORKS:

Hinge joints work by allowing flexion and extension in one plane with small
degrees of motion. Hinge joints also allow bones to move in one direction,
either back or forth. The hinge joints in the body can make the body capable
of supporting a large amount of force and aid in the level of performance in
work.

EXAMPLES:

Fingers (interphalangeal joints), Toes (interphalangeal joints), Ankles

(tibiotalar joint), Elbows, Knees

RANGE OF MOVEMENT:

Hinge joints function by allowing flexion (the action of bending) and extension
(straightening) in one plane of movement.
 TABLE COMPARING THE DIFFERENCES OF 5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF JOINTS

Type of Joint Range of Location in the Special Features

movement body

Hinge Joint Freely moveable Toes, knees, elbows, Protective cartilage covers the
joint fingers, ankles bones and synovial fluid
lubricates them allowing them to
move/ rub against each other

Synovial Joint Freely moveable Elbows, knees, Synovial fluid (for the purpose of
joint shoulders, hips lubrication)

Ball and Freely moveable Shoulders, hips More multidirectional movement

Socket Joint joint and rotation than any other type
of joint

Gliding Joints Partially movable Wrist, ankles, Synovial fluid, articular cartilage
joint collarbone, spine (as lubrication for movement)

Fibrous Joints Immovable joint Cranium, pelvic bone, Bound by tough fibrous tissue
attach teeth to upper which makes them immovable
and lower jaw