General Anatomy Articular System
Fibrous Joint
A fibrous joint is united by dense irregular
connective tissue that is rich in collagen fibers.The
fibers joining the bones may be short or long, thus
the gap between bones at fibrous joints vary from
narrow to wide. If the gap between bones is
narrow a ligament will bind the bones however for
bones with wide gap in between, a wide sheet of
connective tissue called membrane unite the
bones.
Cartilaginous Joint
A cartilaginous joint is united by a cartilage which is
avascular, flexible connective tissue that provides
support and cushioning for adjacent tissues. There
are three type of cartilage, hyaline, fibrocartilage
and elastic. For the cartilaginous joint, it will either
be a hyline cartilage or a fibrocartilage will bind
bones together. Hyaline cartilage is predominantly
collagen and is found in many joint surfaces.
Fibrocartilage is a blend between hyaline cartilage
and dense fibrous connective tissue. The toughness
is provided by the dense fibrous tissue and the
inflexibilty by the hyaline cartilage.
Synovial Joint
This is the most common type of joint in the human
body. Unlike the previous joint, the bones in a
synovial joint is enclosed within a cavity and
enclosed by an articular capsule. The outer walls of
the articular capsule are made up of fibrous
connective tissue attached to each bone outside.
The inner wall is lined with a thin synovial
membrane which secretes synovial fluid. This fluid
act as a lubricant to the joint to reduce the friction
between the bones. The articular ends of the bones
are covered by an articular cartilage which allows
smooth movement between articulating ends thus
reducing damage to the underlying bone tissue.
Four features of all synovial joints are joint capsule,
synovial membrane, articular cartilage, joint cavity
FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF JOINT -
SYNARTHROSIS
SYNARTHROSIS
Immobile joint but the most stable of all the joints.
The absence of cavity between bones makes the
joint immobile. This joint functions for protection
of organs as can be seen from the articulated
bones of the skull and at the joint between the
sternum and manubrium
Types:
1. Sutures
2. Syndesmoses
3. Gomphoses
4. Schindylesis
Sutures
 A form of articulation which is found only in
the skull
 True suture if the articulating ends is united
by a series of indentations interlocked together
as seen in sagittal and coronal sutures
 False suture if the articulating margins are
placed in apposition with one another as seen
in temporoparietal l(squamosal) and
intermaxillary suture
Syndesmoses
 Articulation between 2 parallel bones
joined together by either an interosseous
membrane or a ligament as seen from the joint
between the radius and ulna
  Gomphosis/Peg and Socket Joint
 Articulation formed by the insertion of a
conical process into a socket as in the root of
the tooth into the alveolus
 Schindylesis
 Articulation between a thin plate of bone
received into a groove or slit of another bone
as seen in between the sphenoid &
perpendicular plate of ethmoid with vomer,
between the perpendicular plate of ethmoid
into the fissure between maxilla & palatine
 General Anatomy Articular System

FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF JOINT – FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF JOINT -

AMPHIARTHROSIS DIARTHROSIS
Freely movable joints but the weakest of all. Most
Joints with limited mobility. The space that exists diarthrotic joints are found in the appendicular
between articulating surfaces of bones permits a skeleton and thus give the limbs a wide range of
cartilage to fit into the gap allowing little motion.
movements between the joint.
Types of joint:
Planar/ plane Saddle
Ball and socket Hinge
Pivot
Condyloid

Synchondrosis

 Articulation under this classification may

either be a temporary or a permanent joint.
 Temporary synchondrosis means that the
joint is converted into a bone or it ossifies
before reaching adult life forming a synostosis
rendering the joint immobile as in the joint
Planar Joints
between the epiphyseal plates, hip bones,
sacrum
 Articulation is between flat bones where it
 Permanent synchondrosis refers to the glides past each other and produces very little
cartilage that remains as such throughout life rotation or angular movement.
because it did not ossify with age as seen in the
 Examples: carpal bones (except that of the
joint between the manubrium and 1st ribs,
capitate with the navicular and lunate) and the
anterior ends of 11 ribs to the costal cartilages
intertarsal bones (except that between talus &
navicular), between articular processes of
Symphyses
vertebrae, acromioclavicular, intermetacarpal,
proximal tibiofibular
 Articulation between bones permits little
mobility because the thickness of the
Hinge/ Ginglymus Joints
fibrocartilage uniting the joint. The joint
between bodies of the vertebra and joint
 Articulation is between a slightly-rounded
between pubis of the hip bone are examples of
fitting bone
this joint.
General Anatomy Articular System
 The joint moves like a door hinge where
one bone is stationary and other one moves in
an angular direction
 Examples: between the trochlea of the
humerus and trochlear notch of ulna (elbow
joint) & between condyles of femur and
condyles of tibia (knee joint) interphalangeal
joints ( head of proximal phalanx to base of
middle phalanx , head of middle phalanx to
ANATOMICAL MOVEMENT OF THE BODY
base of distal phalanx)
Pivot Joints
 Articulation is between the rounded end of
a bone fitting into a ring formed by the other
bone which allows rotational movement
 Examples: atlantoaxial joint dens of axis
into the anterior arch of atlas) , proximal
radioulnar articulation
Condyloid /Ellipsoid Joint
 Articulation is formed between a bone with
an oval-shaped end fitting into a similarly oval-
shaped hollow of another bone which allows
angular movement along two axis. One
movement involves the bending and
straightening of the joints and the second
movement is a side-to-side movement, which
allows moving towards the medial or lateral
direction
 Example: radiocarpal joint,
metacarpophalangeal joint, atlanto-occipital
joint
Saddle Joints
 Articulation is between a concave surface of
one bone fitting into another bone with a
convex surface that allows angular movement
similar to condyloid joints, but with a greater
range of motion
 Example: thumb joint (trapeziometacarpal
joint), sternoclavicular joint
Ball-and-Socket / Enarthrosis Joints
 Articulation is between a bone with
rounded, ball-like end fitting into a cup-like
socket of another bone that allows the greatest
range of motion, as all movement types are
possible in all directions
 Examples: shoulder (head of humerus and
glenoid cavity of scapula) and hip joints (head
of femur into the acetabulum)
Gliding Movement
 The opposed surfaces are flat or only
slightly curved, so that the bones slide against
each other in a simple and limited way
 Example:  head is tilted forward and back,
head is tilted from side to side
Angular Movement
Commonly seen in long bones where there is a
change in the angle formed between the joint.
a. Flexion or bending - when the angle between
the bones decreases as in moving the forearm
upward at the elbow or moving the wrist to move
the hand toward the forearm.
b. Extension - when the angle between the bones
of a joint increases like straightening a limb after
flexion. Extending a part of the body past the
normal anatomical position is referred to as
hyperextension
c. Abduction - when a bone moves away from the
midline of the body as in moving the arms or legs
laterally to lift them straight out to the side
d. Adduction- when a bone moves toward the
midline of the body as in moving the limbs inward
after abduction
e. Rotational Movement- the bone as it rotates
around its longitudinal axis.
 medial rotation means rotating towards the
midline
 lateral rotation means rotating away from
the midline
 f. Circumduction- movement of a limb in a circular
motion, as in swinging an arm around
 General Anatomy Articular System
SPECIAL MOVEMENTS
Cannot be classified as gliding, angular, or
rotational are called special movement
Inversion- means moving the soles of the feet
inward, toward the midline of the body (medial
rotation of foot)
Eversion- means moving of the sole of the foot
outward, away from the midline of the body
(lateral rotation of foot)        
Protraction- is the anterior movement of a bone in
the horizontal plane
Retraction – it occurs as a joint moves back into
position after protraction.
In the mandible, protraction is moving the
mandible towards the back or posteriorly and
protraction is anterior or forward movement
Elevation- movement of a bone upward, such as
shrugging the shoulders or lifting the scapulae. In
the mandible it means closing the jaw.
Depression - involves moving the bone downward,
such as after the shoulders are shrugged and the
scapulae return to their normal position from an
elevated position. In the mandible, it means
opening the jaw
Dorsiflexion- bending at the ankle such that the
toes are lifted toward the knee as in applying a
toenail polish
Plantarflexion - bending at the ankle when the heel
is lifted, such as when standing on the toes
Supination - movement of the forearm so that the
palm faces anteriorly  or upward.       (lateral
rotation of forearm)
Pronation - movement in which the palm faces
posteriorly or downward. (medial rotation of
forearm
Opposition - movement of the thumb toward the
fingers of the same hand
FIBROUS JOINT AND SYNARTHROSIS
A fibrous joint is characterized by the presence
of a fibrous tissue that holds the bones
together. The fibers joining the bones may be
short or long, thus the gap between bones at
fibrous joints vary from narrow to wide. Most
of the fibrous joint are synarthrosis joint where
there is little or no movement at all.
Examples:
1. Sutures
2. Syndesmoses
3. Gomphoses
4. Schindylesis
 
Sutures
A form of articulation where the narrow gap
between the margins of the bones is united by
a thin layer of fibrous tissue. All the bones of
the skull except the mandible are joined by
suture. It forms the cranial vault and forms the
face.
1. Sutura Vera / True Suture
The margins of the bones are connected by a
series of processes, and indentations
interlocked together.
2. Sutura Notha/ False Suture
The articulation is formed by roughened
surfaces placed in apposition with one another.
Examples of this are squamosal suture and
intermaxillary suture
Syndesmoses
This joint occurs between 2 parallel bones where
the space varies from narrow to wide. In a narrow
gap, a strap of fibrous connective tissues called
ligament unites the bone. If the gap between
bones is wide it is called an interosseous
membrane. These bands of connective tissue can
 General Anatomy Articular System

restrict movements of the joint or it can stretch

repeatedly and return to their original forms. life, a synostosis type of joint. Permanent synchondros
cartilage throughout life and did not ossify with age
Example for temporary synchondrosis is at epiphyseal
Gomphosis/Peg and Socket Joint between the sternum and first rib.

       A type of articulation formed by the

insertion of a conical process into a socket. The
narrow space is filled by periodontal ligament.
Example is root of tooth fits into the sockets of
the alveolus like a peg
Schindylesis             and bending forces.
Symphyses
It is a type of joint where bones are united
together by fibrocartilage. Movement is
possible because it fibrocartilage contains
numerous bundles of thick collagen fibers that
provides a much greater ability to resist pulling

A form of articulation in which a thin plate of Example of a fibrocartilage are the

bone is received into a groove or slit in another. intervertebral disc and symphysis pubis. 
Functionally, it is classified as amphiarthrosis as
Examples are between sphenoid & perpendicular seen from the movements along the vertebral
plate of ethmoid with vomer, between the column, at the pelvis and sternum.
perpendicular plate of ethmoid into the fissure
between maxilla & palatine
SYNOVIAL JOINT AND DIARTHROSIS
CARTILOGONOUS JOINT AND AMPHIARTHROSIS
A synovial joint is characterized by the
A cartilaginous joint is characterized by a broad,
presence of a cavity. The adjoining bones are
flat piece of fibrocartilage or a hyaline cartilage.
not directly connected with each other. An
There is no joint cavity however, the space
articular capsule surrounds the joint. The outer
filled by the fibrocartilage cushions the joint
layer may contain ligaments and the inner layer
and allows some movement. The bodies of the
secretes the synovial fluid that acts as a
vertebra and pubis are held by fibrocartilage.
lubricant and nourishment to the joint as well
Movements of this joint though little it may be,
as a shock absorber. The articulating ends of
provides stability and strength to the joint.
the bone are covered with articular cartilage
According to function, these are classified as
that reduces friction during movement and
amphiarthrosis joint. On the contrary, though a
facilitate transmission of load to the underlying
joint is united by a hyaline cartilage but lacking
bone. Accessory structures of the joint include
in movement, as can be seen between a bone
tendon, ligament, and bursa.
and a cartilage, the joint is functionally
classified as synarthrosis joint. Synovial joint allows movements in various
plane thus all synovial joints are functionally
 Types of Cartilaginous Joint:
classified as diarthrosis. This is the most
common type of joint, a freely movable joint. It
1. Synchondrosis                           2.
is capable of the greatest movement of the
Symphysis
three structural joint types; however, it is said
that the more mobile a joint is, the weaker the
Synchondrosis joint is.

The bones in synchondrosis are joined together by hyaline Types of Diarthrosis

cartilage, or where bone is united to
hyaline cartilage. It is a temporary form of joint if  the cartilage is converted into bone before adult
 General Anatomy Articular System
 Planar
 Hinge
 Pivot
 Condyloid
 Saddle
 Ball and Socket
SYNOVIAL JOINT AND DIARTHROSIS PLANAR AND
HINGE JOINT
Planar Joints
The articulating surfaces of the bones are flat
or slightly curved which allow gliding
movements; therefore, the joints are
sometimes referred to as gliding joints. Range
of motion is limited and does not involve
rotation
Examples: carpal bones (except that of the
capitate with the navicular and lunate) and the
intertarsal bones (except that between talus &
navicular), between articular processes of
vertebrae, acromioclavicular, intermetacarpal,
proximal tibiofibular
Hinge/ Ginglymus Joints
The articulating end of a bone is slightly-
rounded fitting into the slightly-hollow end of
the other bone. One bone moves while the
other bone remains stationary, similar to the
hinge of a door
Examples: elbow joint & knee joint,
interphalangeal joints
SYNOVIAL JOINT AND DIARTHROSIS – PIVOT AND
CONDYLOID JOINT
Pivot Joints
The joint is between the rounded end of a bone
fitting into a ring formed by the other bone.
The pivot joint allows rotational movement, as
the rounded bone moves around its own axis.
Examples: atlantoaxial joint,  proximal radioulnar
articulation
Condyloid /Ellipsoid Joint
The joint is formed between a bone with an
oval-shaped end fitting into a similarly oval-
shaped hollow of another bone. This joint
allows angular movement along two axis
(permit of flexion, extension, adduction,
abduction, and circumduction, but no axial
rotation)
Example: radiocarpal joint,
metacarpophalangeal joint, atlanto-occipital
joint
SYNOVIAL JOINT AND DIARTHROSIS – SADDLE AND
BALL AND SOCKET JOINTS
Saddle Joints
As the term suggest, it resembles a saddle, the
articulating surface of a bone is concave and
the other bone has a convex surface that fit
together. The joint allow angular movements
similar to condyloid joints, but with a greater
range of motion
Example: thumb joint ( trapeziometacarpal joint)
, sternoclavicular joint
Ball-and-Socket / Enarthrosis Joints
The articulating surface of one bone possess a
rounded, ball-like end fitting into a cup-like
socket of another bone. The joint allows the
greatest range of motion, as all movement
types are possible in all directions
Examples: shoulder and hip joints.
ANATOMICAL MOVEMENTS OF THE BODY
Diarthrosis is a freely movable joint and it covers all
the synovial joint in the body. The joint between the
long bones of the appendicular skeleton exhibits most
of the movements descriptive of the diarthrosis joint.
Other movements possible in the synovial joint
includes gliding, angular, rotational, or special
movement namely inversion, eversion, protraction,
retraction, elevation, depression, supination,
pronation, dorsiflexion, plantarflexion and opposition.
Gliding Movement
General Anatomy Articular System
Occur as relatively flat bone surfaces move
past each other and it produces very little
rotation or angular movement of the bones.
Example : joints of the carpal and tarsal bones
Angular Movement
Produced by changing the angle between the
bones of a joint and commonly seen in the long
bones. The different types of angular
movements include flexion, extension,
hyperextension, abduction, adduction, and
circumduction.
a. Flexion or bending
     It occurs when the angle between the bones
decreases as in moving the forearm upward at
the elbow or moving the wrist to move the
hand toward the forearm.
b. Extension
The opposite of flexion where the angle
between the bones of a joint increases like
straightening a limb after flexion.  Extending a
part of the body past the normal anatomical
position is referred to as hyperextension  after protraction.
c. Abduction
When a bone moves away from the midline of
the body as in moving the arms or legs laterally
to lift them straight out to the side
d. Adduction
When a bone moves toward the midline of the
body as in moving the limbs inward after
abduction
e. Rotational Movement
The movement of a bone as it rotates around
its longitudinal axis. Rotating toward the
midline of the body is called medial rotation
while rotating away from the midline of the
body is called lateral rotation
f. Circumduction
Refers to the movement of a limb in a circular
motion, as in swinging an arm around
SPECIAL MOVEMENTS
Special Movements
Cannot be classified as gliding, angular, or
rotational are called special movements.
Supination
     Movement of the radius and ulna bones of the fore
up. (lateral rotation of forearm)
 Pronation
Opposite movement in which the palm faces
backward or down. (medial rotation of forearm)
Protraction
Refers to anterior movement of a bone in the
horizontal plane
Retraction
It occurs as a joint moves back into position
*Protraction and retraction can be seen in the
movement of the mandible as the jaw is thrust
outwards and then back inwards.
Opposition
Movement of the thumb toward the fingers of
the same hand
Inversion
It involves moving the soles of the feet inward,
toward the midline of the body (medial rotation of
foot)
Eversion
The opposite of inversion, involves moving of the
sole of the foot outward, away from the midline of
the body (lateral rotation of foot)
 Elevation
 General Anatomy Articular System

2. Uniaxial: movement occurs on one plane

Movement of a bone upward, such as shrugging
the shoulders or lifting the scapulae.  Hinge joint : flexion & extension (transverse) 

Depression  between the proximal ends of the ulna and

Opposite of elevation and involves moving the radius
bone downward, such as after the shoulders are
            Pivot : rotational (longitudinal)                 
shrugged and the scapulae return to their normal
position from an elevated position.
 between atlas and axis         

 
3. Biaxial: move about two distinct axes
Dorsiflexion
(biaxial)                 
     Bending at the ankle such that the toes are
Condyloid  and Saddle : flexion, extension,
lifted toward the knee.
abduction, adduction   
Plantarflexion
    
     Bending at the ankle when the heel is lifted,
4. Polyaxial/ Multiaxial: moves on all three axis
such as when standing on the toes
( transverse, sagittal & frontal planes)
  Enarthrosis or ball-and-socket joint : flexion,
RANGE OF MOTION extension, abduction, adduction

Ranges of Motion                       limbs  - adduction, abduction,

extension and flexion
 Four general classifications of joint movements
based on their location
1. Nonaxial Arthrodia/gliding- the bones slide
over each other as in the case of flat bones
Examples:

 between the carpal bones of the wrist

 between the carpals and the metacarpals
of the palm
 between the tarsal bones of the ankle
 between the tarsals and the metatarsals
of the foot
 acromioclavicular (AC) joint of the
shoulder
 between the sternum (breast bone) and
ribs at the sternocostal joints
 between the vertebrae and ribs at the
vertebrocostal joints
 facets of the twenty-six vertebrae at the
intervertebral joints.

 
General Anatomy Articular System