Classification of Joints: Difference between revisions

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Anatomy > Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body > III. Syndesmology > 3. Classification of Joints

Henry Gray (1821–1865). Anatomy of the Human Body. 1918.

Classification of Joints[edit]

In human anatomy, the classification of joints (or articulations) is based on the structure of the joint and the type and degree of movement it permits. Joints are generally categorized into three major classes:

Synarthroses – immovable joints
Amphiarthroses – slightly movable joints
Diarthroses – freely movable joints

Synarthroses (Immovable Joints)[edit]

Synarthroses are joints where adjacent bones are connected by fibrous tissue or hyaline cartilage, with no appreciable movement. These are typical of joints found in the skull, except for the temporomandibular joint.

There are four primary types of synarthrosis:

Suture[edit]

A fibrous joint found exclusively in the skull. Sutures are further classified as:

Sutura dentata – interlocking, tooth-like projections (e.g., between parietal bones)
Sutura serrata – saw-like articulating edges (e.g., between the frontal bone halves)
Sutura limbosa – beveled overlapping margins (e.g., coronal suture)
Sutura squamosa – overlapping beveled edges (e.g., squamous suture)
Sutura harmonia – simple apposition without interlocking (e.g., between maxillae)

Schindylesis[edit]

A joint where a thin plate of bone is inserted into a fissure between two other bones (e.g., rostrum of sphenoid articulating with the vomer).

Gomphosis[edit]

A peg-and-socket joint, seen in the teeth articulating with the alveolar process of the maxilla or mandible.

Synchondrosis[edit]

A cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. It is typically temporary and ossifies with age. Examples include:

Spheno-occipital synchondrosis
Epiphyseal plates in long bones

Occipitosphenoid synchondrosis of an infant

Amphiarthroses (Slightly Movable Joints)[edit]

These joints allow limited movement and are connected by fibrocartilage or interosseous ligaments. The two major forms are:

Symphysis – fibrocartilaginous joint (e.g., intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis)
Syndesmosis – bones joined by a ligament or interosseous membrane (e.g., distal tibiofibular joint)

Diarthroses (Freely Movable Joints)[edit]

Diarthroses (also called synovial joints) represent the majority of joints in the body and allow a wide range of motion. Characteristic features include:

Articular cartilage
Synovial membrane
Joint capsule
Synovial fluid
Optional structures like menisci and articular discs

Diagrammatic section of a diarthrodial joint

Diarthrodial joint with an articular disk

Types of Diarthroses (Synovial Joints)[edit]

**Ginglymus (Hinge Joint)**[edit]

Permits flexion and extension in one plane. Example: elbow joint, interphalangeal joints.

**Trochoid (Pivot Joint)**[edit]

Allows rotation around a longitudinal axis. Examples:

**Condyloid joint (Ellipsoidal Joint)**[edit]

Allows movement in two planes (flexion, extension, adduction, abduction). Example: radiocarpal joint (wrist).

**Saddle joint (Articulatio sellaris)**[edit]

Opposing surfaces are concavo-convex, permitting biaxial movement. Example: carpometacarpal joint of the thumb.

**Ball and socket joint (Enarthrosis)**[edit]

Multiaxial joint allowing movement in all directions. Examples: hip joint, shoulder joint.

**Gliding joint (Arthrodia)**[edit]

Flat or slightly curved surfaces that allow limited gliding. Examples:

Zygapophyseal joints (between vertebrae)
Carpal bones (excluding capitate with lunate)

External links[edit]

Anatomy photo:20:st-2002 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center

Look up Joint in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Gray's Anatomy[edit]

Anatomy atlases (external)[edit]

[1] - Anatomy Atlases

Adapted from the Classic Grays Anatomy of the Human Body 1918 edition (public domain)

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[Anatomy]] > [[Gray's Anatomy| Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body]] > III. Syndesmology > 3. Classification of Joints
+{{SI}}
-[[Henry Gray]] (1821–1865).  Anatomy of the Human Body.  1918.
+[[Anatomy]] > [[Gray's Anatomy|Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body]] > III. [[Syndesmology]] > 3. '''Classification of Joints'''
-=='''Classification of Joints'''==
-The articulations are divided into three classes: '''synarthroses''' or immovable, '''amphiarthroses''' or slightly movable, and '''diarthroses''' or freely movable, joints.
-=== '''Synarthroses (''immovable articulations'')''' ===
+[[Henry Gray]] (1821–1865). ''Anatomy of the Human Body''. 1918.
-Synarthroses include all those articulations in which the surfaces of the bones are in almost direct contact, fastened together by intervening connective tissue or hyaline cartilage, and in which there is no appreciable motion, as in the joints between the bones of the skull, excepting those of the mandible. There are four varieties of synarthrosis: '''sutura, schindylesis, gomphosis''' and '''synchondrosis'''
-==== '''Sutura''' ====
+== '''Classification of Joints''' ==
-Sutura is that form of articulation where the contiguous margins of the bones are united by a thin layer of fibrous tissue; it is met with only in the skull (Fig. 296). When the margins of the bones are connected by a series of processes, and indentations interlocked together, the articulation is termed a '''true suture''' (''[[sutura vera]]''); and of this there are three varieties: sutura dentata, serrata, and limbosa.
-The margins of the bones are not in direct contact, being separated by a thin layer of fibrous tissue, continuous externally with the pericranium, internally with the dura mater. The '''sutura dentata''' is so called from the tooth-like form of the projecting processes, as in the suture between the parietal bones. In the '''[[sutura serrata]]''' the edges of the bones are serrated like the teeth of a fine saw, as between the two portions of the frontal bone.
+In [[human anatomy]], the '''classification of joints''' (or '''articulations''') is based on the structure of the joint and the type and degree of movement it permits. Joints are generally categorized into three major classes:
-In the '''[[sutura limbosa]]''' there is besides the interlocking, a certain degree of bevelling of the articular surfaces, so that the bones overlap one another, as in the suture between the parietal and frontal bones. When the articulation is formed by roughened surfaces placed in apposition with one another, it is termed a '''[[false suture]]''' (''[[sutura notha]]''), of which there are two kinds: the '''[[sutura squamosa]]''' formed by the overlapping of contiguous bones by broad bevelled margins, as in the squamosal suture between the temporal and parietal, and the '''[[sutura harmonia]]''' where there is simple apposition of contiguous rough surfaces, as in the articulation between the maxillae, or between the horizontal parts of the palatine bones.
+* '''[[Synarthrosis|Synarthroses]]''' – immovable joints
-[[File:Gray296.png|thumb|FIG. 296– Section across the sagittal suture. (''Picture From the Classic Gray's Anatomy'')]]
+* '''[[Amphiarthrosis|Amphiarthroses]]''' – slightly movable joints
+* '''[[Diarthrosis|Diarthroses]]''' – freely movable joints
-[[File:Gray297.png|thumb|FIG. 297– Section through occipitosphenoid synchondrosis of an infant. (''Picture From the Classic Gray's Anatomy'')]]
+===[[Synarthroses]] (''Immovable Joints'')===
-==== '''Schindylesis''' ====
+Synarthroses are joints where adjacent bones are connected by fibrous tissue or [[hyaline cartilage]], with no appreciable movement. These are typical of joints found in the [[skull]], except for the [[temporomandibular joint]].
-Schindylesis is that form of articulation in which a thin plate of bone is received into a cleft or fissure formed by the separation of two laminae in another bone, as in the articulation of the rostrum of the sphenoid and perpendicular plate of the ethmoid with the vomer, or in the reception of the latter in the fissure between the maxillae and between the palatine bones.
-==== '''Gomphosis''' ====
+There are four primary types of synarthrosis:
-Gomphosis is articulation by the insertion of a conical process into a socket; this is not illustrated by any articulation between bones, properly so called, but is seen in the articulations of the roots of the teeth with the alveoli of the mandible and maxillae.
-==== '''Synchondrosis''' ====
+==== '''[[Suture]]''' ====
-Where the connecting medium is cartilage the joint is termed a synchondrosis (Fig. 297). This is a temporary form of joint, for the cartilage is converted into bone before adult life. Such joints are found between the epiphyses and bodies of long bones, between the occipital and the sphenoid at, and for some years after, birth, and between the petrous portion of the temporal and the jugular process of the occipital.
+A fibrous joint found exclusively in the skull. Sutures are further classified as:
-=== '''Amphiarthroses (''slightly movable articulations)''''' ===
+* '''[[Sutura dentata]]''' – interlocking, tooth-like projections (e.g., between [[parietal bones]])
-In these articulations the contiguous bony surfaces are either connected by broad flattened disks of fibrocartilage, of a more or less complex structure, as in the articulations between the bodies of the vertebrae; or are united by an interosseous ligament, as in the inferior tibiofibular articulation. The first form is termed a '''[[symphysis]]''' (Fig. 298), the second a '''[[syndesmosis]]'''
+* '''[[Sutura serrata]]''' – saw-like articulating edges (e.g., between the [[frontal bone]] halves)
+* '''[[Sutura limbosa]]''' – beveled overlapping margins (e.g., [[coronal suture]])
+* '''[[Sutura squamosa]]''' – overlapping beveled edges (e.g., [[squamous suture]])
+* '''[[Sutura harmonia]]''' – simple apposition without interlocking (e.g., between [[maxillae]])
-[[File:Gray298.png|thumb|FIG. 298– Diagrammatic section of a symphysis. (''Picture From the Classic Gray's Anatomy'')]]
+[[File:Gray296.png|thumb|center|300px|Section across the sagittal suture]]
-=== '''Diarthroses (''freely movable articulations'')''' ===
+==== '''[[Schindylesis]]''' ====
-This class includes the greater number of the joints in the body. In a diarthrodial joint the contiguous bony surfaces are covered with articular cartilage, and connected by ligaments lined by synovial membrane (Fig. 299). The joint may be divided, completely or incompletely, by an '''[[articular disk]]''' or '''[[meniscus]]''' the periphery of which is continuous with the fibrous capsule while its free surfaces are covered by synovial membrane (Fig. 300).
+A joint where a thin plate of bone is inserted into a fissure between two other bones (e.g., [[rostrum of sphenoid]] articulating with the [[vomer]]).
-[[File:Gray299.png|thumb|FIG. 299– Diagrammatic section of a diarthrodial joint. (''Picture From the Classic Gray's Anatomy'')]]
+==== '''[[Gomphosis]]''' ====
+A peg-and-socket joint, seen in the [[tooth|teeth]] articulating with the [[alveolar process]] of the [[maxilla]] or [[mandible]].
-[[File:Gray300.png|thumb|FIG. 300– Diagrammatic section of a diarthrodial joint, with an articular disk. (''Picture From the Classic Gray's Anatomy'')]]
+==== '''[[Synchondrosis]]''' ====
+A cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. It is typically temporary and ossifies with age. Examples include:
-The varieties of joints in this class have been determined by the kind of motion permitted in each. There are two varieties in which the movement is uniaxial, that is to say, all movements take place around one axis. In one form, the '''[[ginglymus]]''' this axis is, practically speaking, transverse; in the other, the '''[[trochoid]]''' or '''pivot-joint''' it is longitudinal.
-There are two varieties where the movement is biaxial, or around two horizontal axes at right angles to each other, or at any intervening axis between the two. These are the '''[[condyloid]]''' and the '''[[saddle-joint]]''' There is one form where the movement is polyaxial, the '''[[enarthrosis]]''' or '''[[ball-and-socket joint]]''' and finally there are the '''arthrodia''' or '''[[gliding joints]]'''
+* [[Spheno-occipital synchondrosis]]
+* Epiphyseal plates in [[long bones]]
-==== '''Ginglymus or Hinge-joint''' ====
+[[File:Gray297.png|thumb|center|300px|Occipitosphenoid synchondrosis of an infant]]
-In this form the articular surfaces are moulded to each other in such a manner as to permit motion only in one plane, forward and backward, the extent of motion at the same time being considerable. The direction which the distal bone takes in this motion is seldom in the same plane as that of the axis of the proximal bone; there is usually a certain amount of deviation from the straight line during flexion. The articular surfaces are connected together by strong collateral ligaments, which form their chief bond of union. The best examples of ginglymus are the interphalangeal joints and the joint between the humerus and ulna; the knee- and ankle-joints are less typical, as they allow a slight degree of rotation or of side-to-side movement in certain positions of the limb.
-==== '''Trochoid or Pivot-joint (''articulatio trochoidea; rotary joint'')''' ====
+===[[Amphiarthroses]] (''Slightly Movable Joints'')===
-Where the movement is limited to rotation, the joint is formed by a pivot-like process turning within a ring, or a ring on a pivot, the ring being formed partly of bone, partly of ligament. In the proximal radioulnar articulation, the ring is formed by the radial notch of the ulna and the annular ligament; here, the head of the radius rotates within the ring. In the articulation of the odontoid process of the axis with the atlas the ring is formed in front by the anterior arch, and behind by the transverse ligament of the atlas; here, the ring rotates around the odontoid process.
-==== '''Condyloid Articulation (''articulatio ellipsoidea'')''' ====
+These joints allow limited movement and are connected by [[fibrocartilage]] or [[interosseous ligament]]s. The two major forms are:
-In this form of joint, an ovoid articular surface, or condyle, is received into an elliptical cavity in such a manner as to permit of flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, and circumduction, but no axial rotation. The wrist-joint is an example of this form of articulation.
-==== '''Articulation by Reciprocal Reception (''articulatio sellaris; saddle-joint'')''' ====
+* '''[[Symphysis]]''' – fibrocartilaginous joint (e.g., [[intervertebral discs]], [[pubic symphysis]])
-In this variety the opposing surfaces are reciprocally concavo-convex. The movements are the same as in the preceding form; that is to say, flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, and circumduction are allowed; but no axial rotation. The best example of this form is the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb.
+* '''[[Syndesmosis]]''' – bones joined by a ligament or interosseous membrane (e.g., [[distal tibiofibular joint]])
-==== '''Enarthrosis (''ball-and-socket joints'')''' ====
+[[File:Gray298.png|thumb|center|300px|Diagrammatic section of a symphysis]]
-Enarthrosis is a joint in which the distal bone is capable of motion around an indefinite number of axes, which have one common center. It is formed by the reception of a globular head into a cup-like cavity, hence the name “ball-and-socket.” Examples of this form of articulation are found in the hip and shoulder.
-==== Arthrodia ====
+===[[Diarthroses]] (''Freely Movable Joints'')===
-'''Arthrodia''' (''gliding joints'') is a joint which admits of only gliding movement; it is formed by the apposition of plane surfaces, or one slightly concave, the other slightly convex, the amount of motion between them being limited by the ligaments or osseous processes surrounding the articulation. It is the form present in the joints between the articular processes of the vertebrae, the carpal joints, except that of the capitate with the navicular and lunate, and the tarsal joints with the exception of that between the talus and the navicular.
-{{grays}}
+Diarthroses (also called '''[[synovial joints]]''') represent the majority of joints in the body and allow a wide range of motion. Characteristic features include:
-__NOINDEX__
+* [[Articular cartilage]]
+* [[Synovial membrane]]
+* [[Joint capsule]]
+* [[Synovial fluid]]
+* Optional structures like [[menisci]] and [[articular discs]]
+[[File:Gray299.png|thumb|center|300px|Diagrammatic section of a diarthrodial joint]]
+[[File:Gray300.png|thumb|center|300px|Diarthrodial joint with an articular disk]]
+===Types of Diarthroses (Synovial Joints)===
+==== '''[[Ginglymus]] (''Hinge Joint'')''' ====
+Permits flexion and extension in one plane. Example: [[elbow joint]], [[interphalangeal joints]].
+==== '''[[Trochoid joint|Trochoid]] (''Pivot Joint'')''' ====
+Allows rotation around a longitudinal axis. Examples:
+* [[Proximal radioulnar joint]]
+* [[Atlantoaxial joint]]
+==== '''[[Condyloid joint]] (''Ellipsoidal Joint'')''' ====
+Allows movement in two planes (flexion, extension, adduction, abduction). Example: [[radiocarpal joint]] (wrist).
+==== '''[[Saddle joint]] (''Articulatio sellaris'')''' ====
+Opposing surfaces are concavo-convex, permitting biaxial movement. Example: [[carpometacarpal joint of the thumb]].
+==== '''[[Ball and socket joint]] (''Enarthrosis'')''' ====
+Multiaxial joint allowing movement in all directions. Examples: [[hip joint]], [[shoulder joint]].
+==== '''[[Gliding joint]] (''Arthrodia'')''' ====
+Flat or slightly curved surfaces that allow limited gliding. Examples:
+* [[Zygapophyseal joints]] (between vertebrae)
+* [[Carpal bones]] (excluding capitate with lunate)
+== '''See also''' ==
+* [[Joint]]
+* [[Ligament]]
+* [[Articulation (anatomy)]]
+* [[Cartilage]]
+* [[Synovial membrane]]
+== '''External links''' ==
+* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|20|st|20|02}}
+* {{Wiktionary|Joint}}
+{{Human systems and organs}}
+{{Joints}}
+{{Cranial fibrous joints}}
+{{Joints of upper limbs}}
+{{Joints of lower limbs}}
+{{Grays adapted}}
+[[Category:Joints]]
+[[Category:Skeletal system]]
+[[Category:Connective tissue]]
+[[Category:Human anatomy]]