Types of Joints

(between bones in the human body)

Different types of joints enable the bones forming the joints to move relative to each other in different ways and to
different extents, i.e. from freely moveable to hardly any movement at all.
The types of joints in the human body can be classified according to either
 the structure of the joint (how the bones are attached together) or
 the function of the joint (described in terms of the extent of possible movement of the bones forming the
joint).

There is, of course, a connection between the structure of a joint and the degree of movement of the bones it
allows. It is useful to know the words used to refer to and describe different classes of types of joints - see the table
below.

Some practical courses concentrate on the structural types (or "classes") of joints.

Structural Classes of Joints Functional Classes of Joints

How are the bones attached ? How much movement is permitted between bones forming the
Is there a synovial cavity ? joint ?
What type of connective tissue is involved ?

Fibrous Joints Bones held together by fibrous May be Immoveable joint Synarthrosis (singular)
(fixed) connective tissue incl. many examples Synarthroses (plural)
collagen fibres. No synovial of ...
cavity/fluid.

Cartilaginous Joints Bones held together by cartilage. May be Slightly moveable Amphiarthrosis (singular)
(slightly moveable) No synovial cavity/fluid. examples joint Amphiarthroses (plural)
of ...

Synovial Joints Joint includes a synovial cavity Some Moveable Joint, or Diarthrosis (singular)
(incl. freely containing fluid secreted by the synovial "Freely moveable Diarthroses (plural)
synovial membrane. Bones joints
moveable) forming the joint surrounded by are joint"
an articular capsule.

This table (above) is to summarize the meanings of words used to describe joints in the human body, that is skeletal joints between bones.
The vocabulary to remember includes: fibrous joints, cartilaginous joints, synovial joints, fixed joints, slightly moveable joints, freely moveable
joints, immoveable joints, synarthrosis, synarthroses, amphiarthrosis, amphiarthroses, diarthrosis and diarthroses. All of these terms refer to
classes (= "groups" or "categories") of types of joints. There are also names of specific types of joints within these categories.
How many types of joints in the human
body ?
Studying human biology or human anatomy involves learning
many lists. Some test or exam questions ask for a specific
number of examples that is fewer than the total number of
possible examples of joints, bones, muscles, etc.. When
answering test questions take note of the specific type (e.g. of
joints) asked for. Also pay attention to the level of detail required
e.g. "list" or "name" as opposed to "sketch", "define", "describe"
or "give examples of".
The following table includes examples of lists of types of joints.
See also the links to further information where available.

Example of requested list / List of Types of Joints

question

3 types of joints 1. Fibrous (fixed) 1. Immoveable 1. immoveable

i.e. categories of types of 2. Cartilaginous 2. Slightly moveable (synarthroses)
joints
(slightly moveable 3. Moveable or 2. slightly moveable
= 3 types of joints in the body or immoveable) "Freely moveable" (amphiarthroses)
= 3 types of joints in the 3. Synovial 3. freely moveable
human body (incl. freely (diarthroses)
moveable)
Which list ? If you're not sure, use the words taught in your class or textbook.

6 types of synovial joints 1. Hinge, e.g. interphalangeal joints - fingers and toes
2. Ball and socket, e.g. hip and shoulder joints
if "synovial joints" has already 3. Pivot, e.g. atlantoaxial joint between the atlas and axis - neck
been made clear, e.g. in the 4. Gliding (= "Condyloid" joint), e.g. between radius, scaphoid and lunate bones -
title of the question, it may just wrist
say "6 types of joints" 5. Saddle, e.g. between trapezium and metacarpal I - thumb joint
6. Planar, e.g. between the navicular and second cuniform - ankle
This list does not have a specific order. The numbers show that 6 items are listed. There is no need
to include examples unless asked for - but they may help students remember the joint types.

4 types of movable joints  Hinge, e.g. interphalangeal joints - fingers and toes
 Ball and socket, e.g. hip and shoulder joints
Movable joints can include both  Pivot, e.g. atlantoaxial joint between the atlas and axis - neck
"slightly movable joints" and "freely
 Gliding (= "Condyloid" joint), e.g. between radius, scaphoid and lunate bones - wrist
movable joints" so there are more
than four to choose from. As fibrous  Saddle, e.g. between trapezium and metacarpal I - thumb joint
and cartilaginous joints generally  Planar, e.g. between the navicular and second cuniform - ankle
allow "little or no movement" it is safer
to choose examples from the list of There is no need for examples unless asked for - but they may help students remember the joint
synovial joints e.g. as listed on the types.
right.

3 types of fibrous joints 1. Sutures, (immovable - synarthroses)

e.g. between the cranial bones - skull
2. Syndesmoses, (slightly movable - amphiarthroses)
e.g. articulation between the tibia and fibula - lower leg
3. Gomphoses, (immovable - synarthroses)
e.g. articulations of the roots of the teeth - mouth

2 types of cartilaginous 1. Synchondroses, (immovable - synarthroses)

joints 2. Symphses, (slightly movable - amphiarthroses)

7 types of joints 1. Hinge (movable joint)

2. Ball and socket (movable joint)
3. Pivot (movable joint)
4. Gliding or "Condyloid", (movable joint)
5. Saddle (movable joint)
6. Planar (movable joint)
7. Symphses (slightly movable joint)
 8. Synchondroses (immovable joint)
9. Sutures (immovable joint)
10. Syndesmoses (slightly movable joint)
11. Gomphoses (immovable joint)
This list does not have a specific order. The numbers indicate how many types of joint are listed.

A simpler list, e.g. for UK GCSE PE (=GCSE Physical Education) could be:
1. Hinge (movable joint)
2. Ball and socket (movable joint)
3. Pivot (movable joint)
4. Gliding or "Condyloid", (movable joint)
5. Saddle (movable joint)
6. Slightly Movable joint
7. Immovable joint

PARTS OF HUMAN CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

Circulatory system is the system which circulates everything throughout the body. Blood is the fluid that
circulates food and water to the different body parts. Blood flows through blood vessels. Heart is the organ
that pumps blood to the different parts.

Circulatory system is the system which circulates everything throughout the body. Blood is the fluid that
circulates food and water to the different body parts. Blood flows through blood vessels. Heart is the organ
that pumps blood to the different parts.
BLOOD
Blood is made up of plasma, blood cells, proteins and salts. Plasma is the fluid part of blood which
contains 90% of water. Blood cells are the solid part of the blood which are of three types-
 Red Blood Cells or RBCs are used for transporting food, oxygen and other substances to other part of body
along with removing waste.
 White Blood Cells or WBCs are used for fighting against the foreign particles that enter the body since they
are specialized in defense.
 Platelets are used for clotting in blood at the time of wound or cut to stop excess flow of blood.
BLOOD VESSELS
Blood vessels are the carrier of blood through which the blood travels to different parts of the body. There
are two types of blood vessels-
 Arteries- These carry oxygenated (oxygen-rich) blood. These are thick, elastic and carry the blood away
from the heart. These are divided into small network of blood vessels known as capillaries.
 Veins- These carry deoxygenated (carbon dioxide-rich) blood. These are thin, elastic and bring the blood
towards the heart.
HEART
It’s a fist-size organ that is located near a chest but slightly towards left. This works non-stop and pumps
blood. If this stops beating, a person dies. There are four chambers of heart where the mixing of
oxygenated and deoxygenated blood takes place. The four chambers are composed of two atria and two
ventricles. Atria are upper chambers while the ventricles are lower chambers.
In humans, the circulation is called double circulation owing to the fact that blood circulates through the
heart twice.
FLOWCHART FOR CIRCULATION OF BLOOD
Veins collect the deoxygenated blood from various parts of the body > Right Atrium > Right Ventricle >
Pulmonary Arteries > Lungs > Pulmonary Veins > Left Atrium > Left Ventricle > Arteries carry the
oxygenated blood to the different parts of the body.
LYMPH
Lymph is another body fluid that is present in the human circulatory body. It is also referred to as the
tissue fluid. It is colorless fluid which contains salts, water, proteins etc which circulates and transports the
digested food and absorbed fat to the intercellular spaces in tissues.

Functions of Human Organs

Every system in the body has organs that
produce the necessary functions for life.
Each human organ is comprised of tissue
that enables its function. For instance, the
proteins synthesized in the lungs are
entirely different than the proteins
synthesized in the heart. Human systems
include the digestive, nervous,
cardiovascular, endocrine, lymphatic and
respiratory functions. These systems
contain major organs that provide daily
functions to sustain life.
Brain
The brain is the central controller for the
human body. The brain is a part of the
nervous system, which sends electrical
impulses to the body for both autonomous
and voluntary functions. The brain keeps
the heart pumping blood, gives muscles
voluntary control, and provides memory and
thought. The brain also receives sensory
information like sight, touch, hearing, and smell.
Heart
The heart is a part of the cardiovascular system responsible for bringing blood to the various tissue in
the body. The blood carries oxygen and white blood cells, which is a part of the immune system. The
heart receives deoxygenated blood from veins and pumps it to the lungs where red blood cells pick
up more oxygen for delivery. The blood is returned to the heart where it pumps oxygenated blood to
all organs in the body.
Lungs
The lungs are the major organ that provides oxygen exchange. The lungs contain tiny bronchiol
alveoli, which is the site for absorption of oxygen and elimination of carbon dioxide. The oxygenated
blood is then sent back to the heart to provide tissue with the necessary oxygen. The lungs also
contain tiny cilia that push foreign objects out of the lungs. This leads to coughing to keep the lungs
clear from bacteria, dirt, and smoke. Smoking causes these cells to die, making it difficult for lungs to
clear.
Stomach and Intestines
The stomach is the major organ that holds food and sends it to the intestines for digestion and
absorption. The pancreas and the gallbladder provide enzymes that breakdown the stomach
contents, giving the intestines small molecules for absorption. The digestive system is also
responsible for most water absorption in the large intestines. The metabolic waste is then sent down
the colon and removed during bowel movements.
Kidneys
The kidneys are a part of the endocrine system. These organs provide the filtration system necessary
for metabolic waste in tissue cells. For instance, nitrogen is a waste product from protein catabolism.
Nitrogen is harmful to the body, so the kidneys remove this product from the blood and excrete it in
the form of urea. The kidneys are also a point for water re-absorption. Beneficial materials like water
and sodium are sent back to the body and waste is excreted through kidney function in the nephrons.

STRUCTURE OF BONE APPENDAGES