How to Understand Different Types of Joints

When two bones in your body meet, they form a joint. "There are three main types of joints; fibrous (immoveable), cartilagenous (partially moveable) and synovial (freely moveable)," according to Teachpe.com. Synovial joints are the absolute most common joint type and are divided into hinge, ball-and-socket, pivot, glide, saddle and condyloid joints. Cartilage covers the joint ends to minimize friction and to absorb shock in this joint type. Examples of fibrous joints include where your teeth are held to their bony sockets. Cartilagenous joints are made entirely of cartilage and is seen in the "connection between the first, sixth and seventh ribs and the breastbone," according to BecomeHealthyNow.com.

Instructions

• 1

  Bend and extend your knee and you have discovered a hinge joint. It works just like a door swinging back and forth. Other hinge joints include the elbow, your fingers and toes.

• 2

  Move your shoulder around. You are using a ball-and-socket joint. This joint type is the one with widest range of motion. Try for yourself how freely you can move your shoulder. Another example is the hip, which is slightly less mobile.

• 3

  Turn your head to the sides to use one of your body's pivot joints. You can also turn your palm to the ceiling and back to view the pivot joint below your elbow in action.

• 4

  Hold right above your wrist and move your hand left and right, up and down. You are using a glide joint. The ankle is another example.

• 5

  Move your thumb in any way you want to activate your body's only saddle joint.

• 6

  Make a fist and spread your fingers to use condyloid joints. You can find this joint type in your feet too. This type makes angular but no rotational movements.