Human Joints: Types, Movements, and Major Articulations

Posted on Dec 1, 2024 in Physical Education

Joints

Joints are classified based on their mobility:

  • Synarthrosis: Joints with no mobility.
  • Amphiarthrosis: Joints with minimal range of motion.
  • Diarthrosis: Joints allowing extensive movements.

Key elements of bone joints include:

  1. Joint Capsule: Provides stability.
  2. Synovial Membrane: Lubricates articular cartilage.
  3. Articular Cartilage: Ensures smooth sliding and prevents bone erosion.
  4. Articular Cavity: Space between articular surfaces.
  5. Meniscus: Improves bone end fit and increases contact surface.
  6. Ligaments: Connect bones and restrict movement.
  7. Bursae: Cushion joints and facilitate tendon movement (Bursitis: inflammation of the bursae).

Types and Range of Motion

1. Angular Movements

  • Flexion and Extension: Decreasing or increasing the angle between bones.
  • Extension and Hyperextension: Straightening or stretching beyond normal range.
  • Plantar Flexion and Dorsiflexion: Foot movements down/back or up.
  • Abduction and Adduction: Moving a body part away from or towards the midline.

2. Circular Movements

  • Rotation: Bone pivoting on its axis.
  • Circumduction: Circular movement of a limb’s end.
  • Pronation and Supination: Turning palm down or up.

3. Gliding Movements

Simple movements where one bone surface slides over another without angular or circular motion (e.g., carpal/tarsal bones, vertebrae).

4. Special Movements

  • Inversion and Eversion: Sole of the foot turning inward or outward.
  • Protraction and Retraction: Moving a part forward or backward.
  • Elevation and Depression: Moving a part up or down (e.g., jaw movement).

Joints of the Head and Trunk

Temporomandibular Joint

Allows jaw elevation, depression, and lateral movements.

Head and Neck Joints

Provide high head mobility while protecting the spinal cord.

Costospinal Joints

Connect ribs to the spine, enabling respiratory movements.

Sternoclavicular and Costal Joints

Connect the sternum to the clavicle and ribs.

Sacroiliac Joint

Articulation of the sacrum and hip with minimal movement.

Upper Extremity Joints

Shoulder Joint

Allows multi-directional arm movements (Acromioclavicular joint is also part of the shoulder complex).

Elbow Joint

  • Humeroulnar Joint: Pulley-like, allowing flexion and extension.
  • Humeroradial Joint: Capitellum and radial cavity articulation.
  • Radioulnar Joint: Connection between radius and ulna.

Wrist Joints

  • Distal radioulnar joint
  • Radiocarpal joint
  • Intercarpal joints
  • Carpometacarpal joints

Finger Joints

Pulley-type joints with loose capsules reinforced by lateral ligaments.

Lower Limb Joints

Hip Joint (Coxofemoral)

Ball-and-socket joint with a strong capsule and reinforcing ligaments.

Knee Joint

Complex joint with delicate operation.

Foot Joints

Numerous joints supporting body weight, mostly flat (arthrodial), with strong ligaments maintaining the foot arch.