6 Types of Synovial Joints

Structure permits movements in all directions as well as rotational movements around a central axis.

• Ball-and-socket joint

• Condyloid joint

The structure permits movements in different planes; rotation is not possible.

• Ball-and-socket joint

• Condyloid joint

Structures allow for sliding back and forth and twisting movements.

• Gliding joint

• Hinge joint

This structure permits movement in only one place.

• Gliding joint

• Hinge Joint

Movement is limited to rotations around a central axis.

• Pivot joint

• Saddle joint

The structure permits many movements and bones fit complimentary on the surface of other bones.

• Pivot joint

• Saddle joint

Ball-and-socket joint

• shoulder and hip

• metacarpophalangeal joints

Condyloid joint

• shoulder and hip

• metacarpophalangeal joints

Gliding joint

• carpals / tarsals

• vertebral facets

• sacroiliac

• connection of the 2-7 ribs to the sternum

• acromioclavicular & sternoclavicular joints

Hinge joint

• elbow

• phalanges

• tarsals

• tibia