types of joints assignment pdf

9.1 Classification of Joints

Learning objectives.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Distinguish between the functional and structural classifications for joints
• Describe the three functional types of joints and give an example of each
• List the three types of diarthrodial joints

A joint , also called an articulation , is any place where adjacent bones or bone and cartilage come together (articulate with each other) to form a connection. Joints are classified both structurally and functionally. Structural classifications of joints take into account whether the adjacent bones are strongly anchored to each other by fibrous connective tissue or cartilage, or whether the adjacent bones articulate with each other within a fluid-filled space called a joint cavity . Functional classifications describe the degree of movement available between the bones, ranging from immobile, to slightly mobile, to freely moveable joints. The amount of movement available at a particular joint of the body is related to the functional requirements for that joint. Thus immobile or slightly moveable joints serve to protect internal organs, give stability to the body, and allow for limited body movement. In contrast, freely moveable joints allow for much more extensive movements of the body and limbs.

Structural Classification of Joints

The structural classification of joints is based on whether the articulating surfaces of the adjacent bones are directly connected by fibrous connective tissue or cartilage, or whether the articulating surfaces contact each other within a fluid-filled joint cavity. These differences serve to divide the joints of the body into three structural classifications. A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective tissue. At a cartilaginous joint , the bones are joined by hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage. At a synovial joint , the articulating surfaces of the bones are not directly connected, but instead come into contact with each other within a joint cavity that is filled with a lubricating fluid. Synovial joints allow for free movement between the bones and are the most common joints of the body.

Functional Classification of Joints

The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility found between the adjacent bones. Joints are thus functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, which is a freely moveable joint (arthroun = “to fasten by a joint”). Depending on their location, fibrous joints may be functionally classified as a synarthrosis (immobile joint) or an amphiarthrosis (slightly mobile joint). Cartilaginous joints are also functionally classified as either a synarthrosis or an amphiarthrosis joint. All synovial joints are functionally classified as a diarthrosis joint.

Synarthrosis

An immobile or nearly immobile joint is called a synarthrosis . The immobile nature of these joints provide for a strong union between the articulating bones. This is important at locations where the bones provide protection for internal organs. Examples include sutures, the fibrous joints between the bones of the skull that surround and protect the brain ( Figure 9.2 ), and the manubriosternal joint, the cartilaginous joint that unites the manubrium and body of the sternum for protection of the heart.

Amphiarthrosis

An amphiarthrosis is a joint that has limited mobility. An example of this type of joint is the cartilaginous joint that unites the bodies of adjacent vertebrae. Filling the gap between the vertebrae is a thick pad of fibrocartilage called an intervertebral disc ( Figure 9.3 ). Each intervertebral disc strongly unites the vertebrae but still allows for a limited amount of movement between them. However, the small movements available between adjacent vertebrae can sum together along the length of the vertebral column to provide for large ranges of body movements.

Another example of an amphiarthrosis is the pubic symphysis of the pelvis. This is a cartilaginous joint in which the pubic regions of the right and left hip bones are strongly anchored to each other by fibrocartilage. This joint normally has very little mobility. The strength of the pubic symphysis is important in conferring weight-bearing stability to the pelvis.

Diarthrosis

A freely mobile joint is classified as a diarthrosis . These types of joints include all synovial joints of the body, which provide the majority of body movements. Most diarthrotic joints are found in the appendicular skeleton and thus give the limbs a wide range of motion. These joints are divided into three categories, based on the number of axes of motion provided by each. An axis in anatomy is described as the movements in reference to the three anatomical planes: transverse, frontal, and sagittal. Thus, diarthroses are classified as uniaxial (for movement in one plane), biaxial (for movement in two planes), or multiaxial joints (for movement in all three anatomical planes).

A uniaxial joint only allows for a motion in a single plane (around a single axis). The elbow joint, which only allows for bending or straightening, is an example of a uniaxial joint. A biaxial joint allows for motions within two planes. An example of a biaxial joint is a metacarpophalangeal joint (knuckle joint) of the hand. The joint allows for movement along one axis to produce bending or straightening of the finger, and movement along a second axis, which allows for spreading of the fingers away from each other and bringing them together. A joint that allows for the several directions of movement is called a multiaxial joint (polyaxial or triaxial joint). This type of diarthrotic joint allows for movement along three axes ( Figure 9.4 ). The shoulder and hip joints are multiaxial joints. They allow the upper or lower limb to move in an anterior-posterior direction and a medial-lateral direction. In addition, the limb can also be rotated around its long axis. This third movement results in rotation of the limb so that its anterior surface is moved either toward or away from the midline of the body.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission.

Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution License and you must attribute OpenStax.

Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction

• Authors: J. Gordon Betts, Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Eddie Johnson, Brandon Poe, Dean H. Kruse, Oksana Korol, Jody E. Johnson, Mark Womble, Peter DeSaix
• Publisher/website: OpenStax
• Book title: Anatomy and Physiology 2e
• Publication date: Apr 20, 2022
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Book URL: https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction
• Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/9-1-classification-of-joints

© Dec 19, 2023 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.

• Anatomical Position
• Body Planes
• Terms of Movement
• Terms of Location
• Embryology Terms
• Classification
• Synovial Joint
• Joint Stability
• Skeletal Muscle
• Blood Vessels
• Head and Neck
• Cardiovascular System
• Respiratory System
• Urinary System
• Reproductive System
• Central Nervous System
• Cranial Fossae
• Pterygopalatine Fossa
• Infratemporal Fossa
• Mastoid Fossa
• Frontal Bone
• Sphenoid Bone
• Ethmoid Bone
• Temporal Bone
• Occipital Bone
• Nasal Skeleton
• Cranial Foramina
• Facial Expression
• Extraocular
• Mastication
• Sympathetic Innervation
• Parasympathetic Innervation
• Ophthalmic Nerve
• Maxillary Nerve
• Mandibular Nerve
• Nose and Sinuses
• Salivary Glands
• Oral Cavity
• Arterial Supply
• Venous Drainage
• Lacrimal Gland
• Basal Ganglia
• Pineal Gland
• Pituitary Gland
• Spinal Cord (Grey Matter)
• Medulla Oblongata
• Ascending Tracts
• Descending Tracts
• Visual Pathway
• Auditory Pathway
• Olfactory Nerve (CN I)
• Optic Nerve (CN II)
• Oculomotor Nerve (CN III)
• Trochlear Nerve (CN IV)
• Trigeminal Nerve (CN V)
• Abducens Nerve (CN VI)
• Facial Nerve (CN VII)
• Vestibulocochlear Nerve (CN VIII)
• Glossopharyngeal Nerve (CN IX)
• Vagus Nerve (CN X)
• Accessory Nerve (CN XI)
• Hypoglossal Nerve (CN XII)
• Dural Venous Sinuses
• Cavernous Sinus
• Anterior Triangle
• Posterior Triangle
• Cervical Spine
• Thyroid Gland
• Parathyroid Glands
• Suboccipital
• Suprahyoids
• Infrahyoids
• Phrenic Nerve
• Cervical Plexus
• Fascial Layers
• Tonsils (Waldeyer's Ring)
• Superior Mediastinum
• Anterior Mediastinum
• Middle Mediastinum
• Posterior Mediastinum
• Thoracic Spine
• Thoracic Cage
• Thymus Gland
• Mammary Glands
• Tracheobronchial Tree
• Superior Vena Cava
• Vertebral Column
• Superficial
• Intermediate
• Spinal Cord
• Quadrangular Space
• Triangular Interval
• Triangular Space
• Cubital Fossa
• Ulnar Tunnel
• Extensor Compartments
• Ulnar Canal
• Carpal Tunnel
• Anatomical Snuffbox
• Pectoral Region
• Shoulder Region
• Anterior Forearm
• Posterior Forearm
• Brachial Plexus
• Axillary Nerve
• Musculocutaneous Nerve
• Median Nerve
• Radial Nerve
• Ulnar Nerve
• Acromioclavicular Joint
• Sternoclavicular Joint
• Shoulder Joint
• Elbow Joint
• Radioulnar Joints
• Wrist Joint
• Metacarpophalangeal Joint
• Proximal Interphalangeal Joint
• Extensor Tendon Expansion
• Flexor Pulley System
• Femoral Triangle
• Femoral Canal
• Adductor Canal
• Popliteal Fossa
• Tarsal Tunnel
• Fascia Lata
• Gluteal Region
• Cutaneous Innervation
• Lumbar Plexus
• Sacral Plexus
• Femoral Nerve
• Obturator Nerve
• Sciatic Nerve
• Tibial Nerve
• Common Fibular Nerve
• Superficial Fibular Nerve
• Deep Fibular Nerve
• Tibiofibular Joints
• Ankle Joint
• Subtalar Joint
• Foot Arches
• Walking and Gaits
• Abdominal Cavity
• Calot’s Triangle
• The Peritoneum
• Inguinal Canal
• Hesselbach's Triangle
• Lumbar Spine
• Anterolateral Abdominal Wall
• Posterior Abdominal Wall
• Small Intestine
• Gallbladder
• Adrenal Glands
• Sciatic Foramina
• Pelvic Girdle
• Sacroiliac Joint
• Pelvic Floor
• Urinary Bladder
• Testes and Epididymis
• Spermatic Cord
• Prostate Gland
• Bulbourethral Glands
• Seminal Vesicles
• Fallopian (Uterine) Tubes
• Supporting Ligaments
• Pudendal Nerve
• Female Body
• Female Pelvis
• Male Pelvis
• Cardiovascular
• Gastrointestinal
• Respiratory
• Female Reproductive
• Male Reproductive

Classification of Joints

Original Author(s): Matt Quinn Last updated: August 16, 2020 Revisions: 37

• 1.1 Sutures
• 1.2 Gomphoses
• 1.3 Syndesmoses
• 2.1 Synchondroses
• 2.2 Symphyses

A joint is defined as a connection between two bones in the skeletal system.

Joints can be classified by the type of the tissue present (fibrous, cartilaginous or synovial), or by the degree of movement permitted (synarthrosis, amphiarthrosis or diarthrosis).

In this article, we shall look at the classification of joints in the human body.

Fibrous Joints

A fibrous joint is where the bones are bound by a tough, fibrous tissue. These are typically joints that require strength and stability over range of movement.

Fibrous joints can be further sub-classified into sutures, gomphoses and syndesmoses.

Sutures are immovable joints (synarthrosis), and are only found between the flat, plate-like bones of the skull.

There is limited movement until about 20 years of age, after which they become fixed and immobile. They are most important in birth, as at that stage the joints are not fused, allowing deformation of the skull as it passes through the birth canal.

Fig 1 – Bones of the calvarium and cranial base.

Gomphoses are also immovable joints. They are found where the teeth articulate with their sockets in the maxilla (upper teeth) or the mandible (lower teeth).

The tooth is bound into its socket by the strong periodontal ligament.

Syndesmoses

Syndesmoses are slightly movable joints (amphiarthroses).

They are comprised of bones held together by an interosseous membrane . The middle radioulnar joint and middle tibiofibular joint are examples of a syndesmosis joint.

Cartilaginous

In a cartilaginous joint , the bones are united by fibrocartilage or hyaline cartilage.

There are two main types: synchondroses (primary cartilaginous) and symphyses (secondary cartilaginous).

Synchondroses

In a synchondrosis, the bones are connected by hyaline cartilage . These joints are immovable (synarthrosis).

An example of a synchondrosis is the joint between the diaphysis and epiphysis of a growing long bone.

Symphysial joints are where the bones are united by a layer of fibrocartilage . They are slightly movable (amphiarthrosis).

Examples include the pubic symphysis , and the joints between vertebral bodies.

Fig 2 – Adjacent vertebral bodies are connected by fibrocartilage: an example of a symphysis

A synovial joint is defined by the presence of a fluid-filled joint cavity contained within a fibrous capsule.

They are freely movable (diarthrosis) and are the most common type of joint found in the body.

Synovial joints can be sub-classified into several different types, depending on the shape of their articular surfaces and the movements permitted:

• E.g. elbow joint, ankle joint, knee joint.
• E.g. carpometacarpal joints.
• E.g. acromioclavicular joint, subtalar joint.
• E.g. proximal and distal radioulnar joints, atlantoaxial joint.
• E.g. wrist joint, metacarpophalangeal joint, metatarsophalangeal joint.
• E.g. hip joint, shoulder joint.

Fig 3 – The different types of synovial joint.

Found an error? Is our article missing some key information? Make the changes yourself here!

Once you've finished editing, click 'Submit for Review', and your changes will be reviewed by our team before publishing on the site.

We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and to show you relevant advertising. To find out more, read our privacy policy .

Privacy Overview

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

11.6 Classification of Joints

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Distinguish between the functional and structural classifications for joints
• Describe the three functional types of joints and give an example of each
• List the three types of diarthrodial joints

A joint , also called an articulation , is any place where adjacent bones or bone and cartilage come together (articulate with each other) to form a connection. Joints are classified both structurally and functionally. Structural classifications of joints consider whether the adjacent bones are strongly anchored to each other by fibrous connective tissue or cartilage, or whether the adjacent bones articulate with each other within a fluid-filled space called a joint cavity . Functional classifications describe the degree of movement available between the bones, ranging from immobile, to slightly mobile, to freely moveable joints. The amount of movement available at a particular joint of the body is related to the functional requirements for that joint. Thus, immobile or slightly moveable joints serve to protect internal organs, give stability to the body, and allow for limited body movement. In contrast, freely moveable joints allow for much more extensive movements of the body and limbs.

Structural Classification of Joints

The structural classification of joints is based on whether the articulating surfaces of the adjacent bones are directly connected by fibrous connective tissue or cartilage, or whether the articulating surfaces contact each other within a fluid-filled joint cavity. These differences serve to divide the joints of the body into three structural classifications. A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective tissue. At a cartilaginous joint , the bones are joined by hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage. At a synovial joint , the articulating surfaces of the bones are not directly connected, but instead meet each other within a joint cavity that is filled with a lubricating fluid. Synovial joints allow for free movement between the bones and are the most common joints of the body.

Functional Classification of Joints

The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility found between the adjacent bones. Joints are thus functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, which is a freely moveable joint (arthroun = “to fasten by a joint”). Depending on their location, fibrous joints may be functionally classified as a synarthrosis (immobile joint) or an amphiarthrosis (slightly mobile joint). Cartilaginous joints are also functionally classified as either a synarthrosis or an amphiarthrosis joint. All synovial joints are functionally classified as a diarthrosis joint.

Synarthrosis

An immobile or nearly immobile joint is called a synarthrosis . The immobile nature of these joints provides for a strong union between the articulating bones. This is important at locations where the bones provide protection for internal organs. Examples include sutures, the fibrous joints between the bones of the skull that surround and protect the brain (Figure 11.6.1), and the manubriosternal joint, the cartilaginous joint that unites the manubrium and body of the sternum for protection of the heart.

Amphiarthrosis

An amphiarthrosis is a joint that has limited mobility. An example of this type of joint is the cartilaginous joint that unites the bodies of adjacent vertebrae. Filling the gap between the vertebrae is a thick pad of fibrocartilage called an intervertebral disc (Figure 11.6.2). Each intervertebral disc strongly unites the vertebrae but still allows for a limited amount of movement between them. However, the small movements available between adjacent vertebrae can sum together along the length of the vertebral column to provide for large ranges of body movements.

Another example of an amphiarthrosis is the pubic symphysis of the pelvis. This is a cartilaginous joint in which the pubic regions of the right and left hip bones are strongly anchored to each other by fibrocartilage. This joint normally has little mobility. The strength of the pubic symphysis is important in conferring weight-bearing stability to the pelvis.

Diarthrosis

A freely mobile joint is classified as a diarthrosis . These types of joints include all synovial joints of the body, which provide most body movements. Most diarthrotic joints are found in the appendicular skeleton and thus give the limbs a wide range of motion. These joints are divided into three categories, based on the number of axes of motion provided by each. An axis in anatomy is described as the movements in reference to the three anatomical planes: transverse, frontal, and sagittal. Thus, diarthroses are classified as uniaxial (for movement in one plane), biaxial (for movement in two planes), or multiaxial joints (for movement in all three anatomical planes).

A uniaxial joint only allows for a motion in a single plane (around a single axis). The elbow joint, which only allows for bending or straightening, is an example of a uniaxial joint. A biaxial joint allows for motions within two planes. An example of a biaxial joint is a metacarpophalangeal joint (knuckle joint) of the hand. The joint allows for movement along one axis to produce bending or straightening of the finger, and movement along a second axis, which allows for spreading of the fingers away from each other and bringing them together. A joint that allows for the several directions of movement is called a multiaxial joint (polyaxial or triaxial joint). This type of diarthrotic joint allows for movement along three axes (Figure 11.6.3). The shoulder and hip joints are multiaxial joints. They allow the upper or lower limb to move in an anterior-posterior direction and a medial-lateral direction. In addition, the limb can also be rotated around its long axis. This third movement results in rotation of the limb so that its anterior surface is moved either toward or away from the midline of the body.

Section Review

Structural classifications of the body joints are based on how the bones are held together and articulate with each other. At fibrous joints, the adjacent bones are directly united to each other by fibrous connective tissue. Similarly, at a cartilaginous joint, the adjacent bones are united by cartilage. In contrast, at a synovial joint, the articulating bone surfaces are not directly united to each other but come together within a fluid-filled joint cavity.

The functional classification of body joints is based on the degree of movement found at each joint. A synarthrosis is a joint that is essentially immobile. This type of joint provides for a strong connection between the adjacent bones, which serves to protect internal structures such as the brain or heart. Examples include the fibrous joints of the skull sutures and the cartilaginous manubriosternal joint. A joint that allows for limited movement is an amphiarthrosis. An example is the pubic symphysis of the pelvis, the cartilaginous joint that strongly unites the right and left hip bones of the pelvis. The cartilaginous joints in which vertebrae are united by intervertebral discs provide for small movements between the adjacent vertebrae and are also an amphiarthrosis type of joint. Thus, based on their movement ability, both fibrous and cartilaginous joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or amphiarthrosis.

The most common type of joint is the diarthrosis, which is a freely moveable joint. All synovial joints are functionally classified as diarthroses. A uniaxial diarthrosis, such as the elbow, is a joint that only allows for movement within a single anatomical plane. Joints that allow for movements in two planes are biaxial joints, such as the metacarpophalangeal joints of the fingers. A multiaxial joint, such as the shoulder or hip joint, allows for three planes of motions.

Review Questions

Critical Thinking Questions

Click the drop down below to review the terms learned from this chapter.

Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology Copyright © 2021 by University of Southern Queensland is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book

• school Campus Bookshelves
• menu_book Bookshelves
• perm_media Learning Objects
• login Login
• how_to_reg Request Instructor Account
• hub Instructor Commons
• Download Page (PDF)
• Download Full Book (PDF)
• Periodic Table
• Physics Constants
• Scientific Calculator
• Reference & Cite
• Tools expand_more
• Readability

selected template will load here

This action is not available.

8.1A: Structural Classification of Joints

• Last updated
• Save as PDF
• Page ID 7508

\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

\( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

\( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\)

\( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)

\( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\)

\( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\)

\( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

\( \newcommand{\vectorA}[1]{\vec{#1}}      % arrow\)

\( \newcommand{\vectorAt}[1]{\vec{\text{#1}}}      % arrow\)

\( \newcommand{\vectorB}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

\( \newcommand{\vectorC}[1]{\textbf{#1}} \)

\( \newcommand{\vectorD}[1]{\overrightarrow{#1}} \)

\( \newcommand{\vectorDt}[1]{\overrightarrow{\text{#1}}} \)

\( \newcommand{\vectE}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{\mathbf {#1}}}} \)

• There are three structural classifications of joints: fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the three structural categories of joints
• The type and characteristics of a given joint determine the degree and type of movement.
• Structural classification categorizes joints based on the type of tissue involved in their formations.
• Of the three types of fibrous joints, syndesmoses are the most movable.
• Cartilaginous joints allow more movement than fibrous joints but less than synovial joints.
• Synovial joints ( diarthroses ) are the most movable joints of the body and contain synovial fluid.
• periosteum : A membrane that covers the outer surface of all bones.
• manubrium : The broad upper part of the sternum.
• synovial fluid : A viscous fluid found in the cavities of synovial joints that reduces friction between the articular cartilage during movement.

A joint, also known as an articulation or articular surface, is a connection that occurs between bones in the skeletal system. Joints provide the means for movement. The type and characteristics of a given joint determines its degree and type of movement. Joints can be classified based on structure and function.

Structural classification of joints categorizes them based on the type of tissue involved in formation. There are three structural classifications of joints: fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial.

Fibrous Joints

Fibrous joints are connected by dense, tough connective tissue that is rich in collagen fibers. These fixed or immovable joints are typically interlocked with irregular edges. There are three types of fibrous joints.

Sutures are the types of joint found in the cranium (skull). The bones are connected by Sharpey’s fibres. The nature of cranial sutures allows for some movement in the fetus. However, they become mostly immovable as the individual ages, although very slight movement allows some necessary cranial elasticity. These rigid joints are referred to as synarthrodial.

Syndesmoses are found between long bones of the body, such as the radio-ulnar and tibio-fibular joints. These moveable fibrous joints are also termed amphiarthrodial. They have a lesser range of movement than synovial joints.

Gomphosis is a type of joint found at the articulation between teeth and the sockets of the maxilla or mandible (dental-alveolar joint). The fibrous tissue that connects the tooth and socket is called the periodontal ligament.

Fibrous joints : Image demonstrating the three types of fibrous joints. (a) Sutures (b) Syndesmosis (c) Gomphosis.

Cartilaginous Joints

Cartilaginous joints are connected by fibrocartilage or hyaline cartilage. They allow more movement than fibrous joints but less than that of synovial joints. These types of joints are further subdivided into primary (synchondroses) and secondary (symphyses) cartilaginous joints. The epiphyseal (growth) plates are examples of synchondroses. Symphyses are found between the manubrium and sternum (manubriosternal joint), intervertebral discs, and the pubic symphysis.

Cartilaginous Joints : Image demonstrates a synchondrosis joint with epiphyseal plate (temporary hyaline cartilage joint) indicated (a) and a symphysis joint (b).

Synovial Joint : This diagram of a synovial joint delineates the articular cartilage, articular capsule, bone, synovial membrane, and joint cavity containing synovial fluid.

Synovial Joints

This is the most common and movable joint type in the body. These joints (also called diarthroses) have a synovial cavity. Their bones are connected by dense irregular connective tissue that forms an articular capsule surrounding the bones’ articulating surfaces.

A synovial joint connects bones with a fibrous joint capsule that is continuous with the bones’ periosteum. This joint capsule constitutes the outer boundary of a synovial cavity and surrounds the bones’ articulating surfaces.

Synovial cavities are filled with synovial fluid. The knees and elbows are examples of synovial joints.

Module 10: Joints

Joints and movement worksheet.

Access the Joints and Movement Worksheet here: http://provihod.wikispaces.com/file/view/Joints+%26+Movement+Worksheet.pdf

• school Campus Bookshelves
• menu_book Bookshelves
• perm_media Learning Objects
• login Login
• how_to_reg Request Instructor Account
• hub Instructor Commons
• Download Page (PDF)
• Download Full Book (PDF)
• Periodic Table
• Physics Constants
• Scientific Calculator
• Reference & Cite
• Tools expand_more
• Readability

selected template will load here

This action is not available.

12: Module 10- Joints

• Last updated
• Save as PDF
• Page ID 34480

\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

\( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

\( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\)

\( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)

\( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\)

\( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\)

\( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

\( \newcommand{\vectorA}[1]{\vec{#1}}      % arrow\)

\( \newcommand{\vectorAt}[1]{\vec{\text{#1}}}      % arrow\)

\( \newcommand{\vectorB}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

\( \newcommand{\vectorC}[1]{\textbf{#1}} \)

\( \newcommand{\vectorD}[1]{\overrightarrow{#1}} \)

\( \newcommand{\vectorDt}[1]{\overrightarrow{\text{#1}}} \)

\( \newcommand{\vectE}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{\mathbf {#1}}}} \)

• 12.1: Introduction to Joints
• 12.2: Classification of Joints
• 12.3: Fibrous Joints
• 12.4: Cartilaginous Joints
• 12.5: Synovial Joints
• 12.6: Types of Body Movements
• 12.7: Anatomy of Selected Synovial Joints
• 12.8: Video Tutorials- Synovial Joints
• 12.9: Development of Joints
• 12.10: Articular System Review Games
• 12.11: Glossary- Joints
• 12.12: Practice Test- Joints
• 12.13: Joints and Movement Worksheet

Anatomy of Joints & its classification

Study material taken from standard books and pictures taken from googles.. Read less

Recommended

More related content, what's hot, what's hot ( 20 ), viewers also liked, viewers also liked ( 20 ), similar to anatomy of joints & its classification, similar to anatomy of joints & its classification ( 20 ), more from dr. vibhash kumar vaidya, more from dr. vibhash kumar vaidya ( 20 ), recently uploaded, recently uploaded ( 20 ).

• 1. JOINTS By:- Dr. Vibhash Kumar Vaidya Department of Anatomy
• 2. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Introduction of Joints  Joint is a junction between two or more bones or cartilages. It is a device to permit movement.  With the exception of the hyoid bone, every bone in the body is connected to or forms a joint.  There are 230 joints in the body
• 3. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Functions of joint  Hold the skeletal bones together.  Allow the skeleton some flexibility so gross movement can occur.  Make bone growth possible.
• 4. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Classification of joints  Joint are classified into structural and functional.  Structural classification is determined by how the bones connect to each other, while functional classification is determined by the degree of movement between the articulating bones.
• 5. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Structural Classification of Joints  Fibrous (Fixed) A.Sutures 1. Plane 2. Squamous 3. Serrate 4. Dentate 5. Schindylesis B. Gomphosis C. Syndesmosis  Cartilaginous (Slightly movable) A. Primary Cartilaginous joints (Synchondrosis) B. Secondary Cartilaginous joints (Symphysis)  Synovial Freely (movable) 1. Plane 2. Hinge 3. Pivot 4. Bicondylar 5. Ellipsoid 6. Saddle 7. Ball and socket
• 6. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Structural classification cont… Fibrous Joints :- Bones are joined by fibrous tissue/dense connective tissue, consisting mainly of collagen. The fibrous joints are further divided into three types:- 1. Sutures or synostoses :- Found between bones of the skull. In fetal skulls the sutures are wide to allow slight movement during birth. They later become rigid (synarthrodial).
• 7. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Types of Sutures.. (lambdoid suture)
• 8. Dr. Vibhash Kumar  2. Syndesmoses are joints where two adjacent bones are join together by a greater amount of connective tissue than in sutures in the form of interosseous ligaments and membranes.  Eg-interosseous radioulanr joint,interosseous tibiofibular joint.
• 9. Dr. Vibhash Kumar  3. Gomphoses :- It is a specialized fibrous joint restricted to fixation of teeth in alveolar sockets of the maxilla or mandible. The root of tooth is attached to the socket with in alveolus by periodontal ligament.
• 10. Dr. Vibhash Kumar CARTILAGINOUS JOINTS  In this type of joint the bones are joined by cartilage.  There are two types of cartilaginous joints: 1. Primary cartilaginous joints 2. Secondary cartilaginous joints
• 11. Dr. Vibhash Kumar 1. Primary cartilaginous joints  joints - Known as "synchondroses". Bones forming joints are connected by a plate of hyaline cartilage. These joints are immovable and mostly temporary in nature. This cartilage may ossify with age.  Examples in humans are the joint between the first rib and the manubrium of the sternum  Joint between epiphysis and diaphysis of growing long bone.
• 12. Dr. Vibhash Kumar 2. Secondary cartilaginous joints  Known as "symphysis". In these joints the articular surfaces of bone forming the joints are covered by thin plates of hyaline cartilage,which are connected by a disc of fibrocartilage.  Example:-symphysis pubis  Intervertebral disc  Manubriosternal joint  Symphysis menti.
• 13. Dr. Vibhash Kumar SYNOVIAL JOINTS  These joints possess a cavity and the articular ends of bones forming the joint are enclosed in a fibrous capsule.As a result they are seprated by a narrow cavity,the articular cavity,which is filled with a fluid called synovial flud.
• 14. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Characteristic features  The articular surfaces are covered by a thin plate of hyaline cartilage.  The joint cavity is enveloped by an articular capsule which consists of outer fibrous capsule and inner synovial membrane.  The cavity of joint is lined everywhere by synovial membrane except over articular cartilages.  The cavity is filled with synovial fluid secreted by synovial membrane which provides nutrition to articular cartilage and lubrication of articular surfaces.  Some joint cavity completely or incompletely divided by articular disc/ menisc.
• 15. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Types of synovial joints  Plane Joint  Hinge Joint  Pivot Joint  Condylar Joint  Ellipsoid joint  Saddle Joint  Ball-and-Socket Joint
• 16. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Plane Joint  Articular surfaces are more or less flat.  They permit gliding movements in various directions.  Examples; intercarpal joints,intertarsal joints,jts between articular process of adjacent vertebrae.
• 17. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Hinge Joint  Hinge Joint: the articular surface are pulley shaped. This type of joint permits movement in one plane around transverse axis. This movement consists of flexion and extension.  These joints have stong collateral ligaments to prevent other movements. Two examples are the elbow joint, knee joint, interphalangeal joint ,ankle joint.
• 18. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Pivot Joint  The articular surface of one bone is rounded and fits into concavity of another bone.further,rounded part is surrounded by a ligamentous ring.  Movement is limited to the rotation around a central axis.  Examples of this type of joint are the joints between the proximal ends of the radius and ulna .atlanto axial joint.
• 19. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Condylar Joint  The round articular surface of one bone fits into socket type articular surfae of another bone.  The end of bone bearing round articular surface is called condyle .these joint permit movements in 2 direction.  Examples – right and left temporomandibular joints. knee joint
• 20. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Ellipsoid joint  Elliptical convex surface of one bone articulates with elliptical concave surface of another bone.  The movements are permitted in two directions.  Eg; wrist joint , atlanto occipital joint,metacarpo phalangeal joints,metatarso phalangeal joint
• 21. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Saddle Joint  Saddle Joint: The articular surfaces are reciprocally saddle shaped i.e .concavo -convex.this unique artiulation is modified condyloid joint that allows a wide range of movement.  An example would be the joint between the trapezium and the metacarpal bones of the thumb,sternoclavicular joint.
• 22. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Ball-and-Socket Joint  Ball-and-Socket Joint: consists of a bone with a ball-shaped head that attaches with the cup-shaped cavity of another bone.  This type of joint allows for a wider range of motion than any other kind.  It permits movement in all planes, and a rotational movement around a central axis.  Two examples of this type of joint would be the hip, shoulder joints and incudostapedial joint.
• 23. Dr. Vibhash Kumar FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION  Synarthrosis :- Synarthroses permit little or no mobility. Most synarthrosis joints are fibrous joints.Egcranial sutures in adult.  Amphiarthrosis :-Amphiarthroses permit slight mobility. The two bone surfaces at the joint are both covered in hyaline cartilage and joined by strands of fibrocartilage. eg: secondary cartilaginous joints  Diarthrosis:- Permit a variety of movements. Only synovial joints are diarthrodial.
• 24. Dr. Vibhash Kumar Classification According to number of articulating bones  Simple Joint: 2 articulation surfaces (eg. shoulder joint, hip joint)  Compound Joint: 3 or more articulation surfaces (eg. radiocarpal joint)  Complex Joint: 3 or more articulation surfaces and an articular disc or meniscus (eg . knee joint)
• 25. Dr. Vibhash Kumar PARTS OF A JOINTS  A). fibrous Capsule  B). Reinforcing Ligaments  C). Synovial membrane  D). Articular Cartilage  E). Articular Discs  F). Fatty Pads  G). Bursae Flattened sacs that contain synovial fluid. Function to reduce friction
• 26. Dr. Vibhash Kumar PARTS OF A JOINTS
• 27. Dr. Vibhash Kumar

9.5 Types of Body Movements

Learning objectives.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Define and identify the different body movements

• Demonstrate the different types of body movements
• Identify the joints that allow for these motions

Synovial joints allow the body a tremendous range of movements. Each movement at a synovial joint results from the contraction or relaxation of the muscles that are attached to the bones on either side of the articulation. The degree and type of movement that can be produced at a synovial joint is determined by its structural type. While the ball-and-socket joint gives the greatest range of movement at an individual joint, in other regions of the body, several joints may work together to produce a particular movement. Overall, each type of synovial joint is necessary to provide the body with its great flexibility and mobility. There are many types of movement that can occur at synovial joints ( Table 9.1 ). Movement types are generally paired, with one directly opposing the other. Body movements are always described in relation to the anatomical position of the body: upright stance, with upper limbs to the side of body and palms facing forward. Refer to Figure 9.5.1 as you go through this section.

External Website

Watch this video to learn about anatomical motions. What motions involve increasing or decreasing the angle of the foot at the ankle?

Flexion and Extension

Flexion and extension are movements that take place within the sagittal plane and involve anterior or posterior movements of the body or limbs. For the vertebral column, flexion (anterior flexion) is an anterior (forward) bending of the neck or body, while extension involves a posterior-directed motion, such as straightening from a flexed position or bending backward. Lateral flexion is the bending of the neck or body toward the right or left side. These movements of the vertebral column involve both the symphysis joint formed by each intervertebral disc, as well as the plane type of synovial joint formed between the inferior articular processes of one vertebra and the superior articular processes of the next lower vertebra.

In the limbs, flexion decreases the angle between the bones (bending of the joint), while extension increases the angle and straightens the joint. For the upper limb, all anterior motions are flexion and all posterior motions are extension. These include anterior-posterior movements of the arm at the shoulder, the forearm at the elbow, the hand at the wrist, and the fingers at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. For the thumb, extension moves the thumb away from the palm of the hand, within the same plane as the palm, while flexion brings the thumb back against the index finger or into the palm. These motions take place at the first carpometacarpal joint. In the lower limb, bringing the thigh forward and upward is flexion at the hip joint, while any posterior-going motion of the thigh is extension. Note that extension of the thigh beyond the anatomical (standing) position is greatly limited by the ligaments that support the hip joint. Knee flexion is the bending of the knee to bring the foot toward the posterior thigh, and extension is the straightening of the knee. Flexion and extension movements are seen at the hinge, condyloid, saddle, and ball-and-socket joints of the limbs (see Figure 9.5.1 a-d ).

Hyperextension is the abnormal or excessive extension of a joint beyond its normal range of motion, thus resulting in injury. Similarly, hyperflexion is excessive flexion at a joint. Hyperextension injuries are common at hinge joints such as the knee or elbow. In cases of “whiplash” in which the head is suddenly moved backward and then forward, a patient may experience both hyperextension and hyperflexion of the cervical region.

Abduction and Adduction

Abduction and adduction motions occur within the coronal plane and involve medial-lateral motions of the limbs, fingers, toes, or thumb. Abduction moves the limb laterally away from the midline of the body, while adduction is the opposing movement that brings the limb toward the body or across the midline. For example, abduction is raising the arm at the shoulder joint, moving it laterally away from the body, while adduction brings the arm down to the side of the body. Similarly, abduction and adduction at the wrist moves the hand away from or toward the midline of the body. Spreading the fingers or toes apart is also abduction, while bringing the fingers or toes together is adduction. For the thumb, abduction is the anterior movement that brings the thumb to a 90° perpendicular position, pointing straight out from the palm. Adduction moves the thumb back to the anatomical position, next to the index finger. Abduction and adduction movements are seen at condyloid, saddle, and ball-and-socket joints (see Figure 9.5.1 e ).

Circumduction

Circumduction is the movement of a body region in a circular manner, in which one end of the body region being moved stays relatively stationary while the other end describes a circle. It involves the sequential combination of flexion, adduction, extension, and abduction at a joint. This type of motion is found at biaxial condyloid and saddle joints, and at multiaxial ball-and-sockets joints (see Figure 9.5.1 e ).

Rotation can occur within the vertebral column, at a pivot joint, or at a ball-and-socket joint. Rotation of the neck or body is the twisting movement produced by the summation of the small rotational movements available between adjacent vertebrae. At a pivot joint, one bone rotates in relation to another bone. This is a uniaxial joint, and thus rotation is the only motion allowed at a pivot joint. For example, at the atlantoaxial joint, the first cervical (C1) vertebra (atlas) rotates around the dens, the upward projection from the second cervical (C2) vertebra (axis). This allows the head to rotate from side to side as when shaking the head “no.” The proximal radioulnar joint is a pivot joint formed by the head of the radius and its articulation with the ulna. This joint allows for the radius to rotate along its length during pronation and supination movements of the forearm.

Rotation can also occur at the ball-and-socket joints of the shoulder and hip. Here, the humerus and femur rotate around their long axis, which moves the anterior surface of the arm or thigh either toward or away from the midline of the body. Movement that brings the anterior surface of the limb toward the midline of the body is called medial (internal) rotation . Conversely, rotation of the limb so that the anterior surface moves away from the midline is lateral (external) rotation (see Figure 9.5.1 f ). Be sure to distinguish medial and lateral rotation, which can only occur at the multiaxial shoulder and hip joints, from circumduction, which can occur at either biaxial or multiaxial joints.

Supination and Pronation

Supination and pronation are movements of the forearm. In the anatomical position, the upper limb is held next to the body with the palm facing forward. This is the supinated position of the forearm. In this position, the radius and ulna are parallel to each other. When the palm of the hand faces backward, the forearm is in the pronated position , and the radius and ulna form an X-shape.

Supination and pronation are the movements of the forearm that go between these two positions. Pronation is the motion that moves the forearm from the supinated (anatomical) position to the pronated (palm backward) position. This motion is produced by rotation of the radius at the proximal radioulnar joint, accompanied by movement of the radius at the distal radioulnar joint. The proximal radioulnar joint is a pivot joint that allows for rotation of the head of the radius. Because of the slight curvature of the shaft of the radius, this rotation causes the distal end of the radius to cross over the distal ulna at the distal radioulnar joint. This crossing over brings the radius and ulna into an X-shape position. Supination is the opposite motion, in which rotation of the radius returns the bones to their parallel positions and moves the palm to the anterior facing (supinated) position. It helps to remember that supination is the motion you use when scooping up soup with a spoon (see Figure 9.5.2 g ).

Dorsiflexion and Plantar Flexion

Dorsiflexion and plantar flexion are movements at the ankle joint, which is a hinge joint. Lifting the front of the foot, so that the top of the foot moves toward the anterior leg is dorsiflexion, while lifting the heel of the foot from the ground or pointing the toes downward is plantar flexion. These are the only movements available at the ankle joint (see Figure 9.5.2 h ).

Inversion and Eversion

Inversion and eversion are complex movements that involve the multiple plane joints among the tarsal bones of the posterior foot (intertarsal joints) and thus are not motions that take place at the ankle joint. Inversion is the turning of the foot to angle the bottom of the foot toward the midline, while eversion turns the bottom of the foot away from the midline. The foot has a greater range of inversion than eversion motion. These are important motions that help to stabilize the foot when walking or running on an uneven surface and aid in the quick side-to-side changes in direction used during active sports such as basketball, racquetball, or soccer (see Figure 9.5.2 i ).

Protraction and Retraction

Protraction and retraction are anterior-posterior movements of the scapula or mandible. Protraction of the scapula occurs when the shoulder is moved forward, as when pushing against something or throwing a ball. Retraction is the opposite motion, with the scapula being pulled posteriorly and medially, toward the vertebral column. For the mandible, protraction occurs when the lower jaw is pushed forward, to stick out the chin, while retraction pulls the lower jaw backward. (See Figure 9.5.2 j .)

Depression and Elevation

Depression and elevation are downward and upward movements of the scapula or mandible. The upward movement of the scapula and shoulder is elevation, while a downward movement is depression. These movements are used to shrug your shoulders. Similarly, elevation of the mandible is the upward movement of the lower jaw used to close the mouth or bite on something, and depression is the downward movement that produces opening of the mouth (see Figure 9.5.2 k ).

Excursion is the side to side movement of the mandible. Lateral excursion moves the mandible away from the midline, toward either the right or left side. Medial excursion returns the mandible to its resting position at the midline.

Superior Rotation and Inferior Rotation

Superior and inferior rotation are movements of the scapula and are defined by the direction of movement of the glenoid cavity. These motions involve rotation of the scapula around a point inferior to the scapular spine and are produced by combinations of muscles acting on the scapula. During superior rotation , the glenoid cavity moves upward as the medial end of the scapular spine moves downward. This is a very important motion that contributes to upper limb abduction. Without superior rotation of the scapula, the greater tubercle of the humerus would hit the acromion of the scapula, thus preventing any abduction of the arm above shoulder height. Superior rotation of the scapula is thus required for full abduction of the upper limb. Superior rotation is also used without arm abduction when carrying a heavy load with your hand or on your shoulder. You can feel this rotation when you pick up a load, such as a heavy book bag and carry it on only one shoulder. To increase its weight-bearing support for the bag, the shoulder lifts as the scapula superiorly rotates. Inferior rotation occurs during limb adduction and involves the downward motion of the glenoid cavity with upward movement of the medial end of the scapular spine.

Opposition and Reposition

Opposition is the thumb movement that brings the tip of the thumb in contact with the tip of a finger. This movement is produced at the first carpometacarpal joint, which is a saddle joint formed between the trapezium carpal bone and the first metacarpal bone. Thumb opposition is produced by a combination of flexion and abduction of the thumb at this joint. Returning the thumb to its anatomical position next to the index finger is called reposition (see Figure 9.5.2 l ).

Chapter Review

The variety of movements provided by the different types of synovial joints allows for a large range of body motions and gives you tremendous mobility. These movements allow you to flex or extend your body or limbs, medially rotate and adduct your arms and flex your elbows to hold a heavy object against your chest, raise your arms above your head, rotate or shake your head, and bend to touch the toes (with or without bending your knees).

Each of the different structural types of synovial joints also allow for specific motions. The atlantoaxial pivot joint provides side-to-side rotation of the head, while the proximal radioulnar articulation allows for rotation of the radius during pronation and supination of the forearm. Hinge joints, such as at the knee and elbow, allow only for flexion and extension. Similarly, the hinge joint of the ankle only allows for dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot.

Condyloid and saddle joints are biaxial. These allow for flexion and extension, and abduction and adduction. The sequential combination of flexion, adduction, extension, and abduction produces circumduction. Multiaxial plane joints provide for only small motions, but these can add together over several adjacent joints to produce body movement, such as inversion and eversion of the foot. Similarly, plane joints allow for flexion, extension, and lateral flexion movements of the vertebral column. The multiaxial ball and socket joints allow for flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, and circumduction. In addition, these also allow for medial (internal) and lateral (external) rotation. Ball-and-socket joints have the greatest range of motion of all synovial joints.

Interactive Link Questions

Dorsiflexion of the foot at the ankle decreases the angle of the ankle joint, while plantar flexion increases the angle of the ankle joint.

Review Questions

1. Briefly define the types of joint movements available at a ball-and-socket joint.

2. Discuss the joints involved and movements required for you to cross your arms together in front of your chest.

Answers for Critical Thinking Questions

• Ball-and-socket joints are multiaxial joints that allow for flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, circumduction, and medial and lateral rotation.
• To cross your arms, you need to use both your shoulder and elbow joints. At the shoulder, the arm would need to flex and medially rotate. At the elbow, the forearm would need to be flexed.

This work, Anatomy & Physiology, is adapted from Anatomy & Physiology by OpenStax , licensed under CC BY . This edition, with revised content and artwork, is licensed under CC BY-SA except where otherwise noted.

Images, from Anatomy & Physiology by OpenStax , are licensed under CC BY except where otherwise noted.

Access the original for free at https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/1-introduction .

Anatomy & Physiology Copyright © 2019 by Lindsay M. Biga, Staci Bronson, Sierra Dawson, Amy Harwell, Robin Hopkins, Joel Kaufmann, Mike LeMaster, Philip Matern, Katie Morrison-Graham, Kristen Oja, Devon Quick, Jon Runyeon, OSU OERU, and OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

19 Types of Wood Joints: Their Uses [Names & Pics] PDF

In this article, you will learn  the different types of wood joints and their working. Their Advantages and Applications all are explained with pictures.

Also, you can download the  PDF file  at the end of this article.

Wood Joints

Wood joints are joints made of pieces of wood with the help of nails , fasteners , pegs, or glue. These joints are used to join wood, engineered lumber, or synthetic substitutes (such as laminate) to produce more complex items.

Some wood joinery uses mechanical fasteners, bindings, or adhesives as the fixing medium, while others use only wooden elements (such as plain mortise and tenon fittings). Wooden joints are solid and attractive at the same time.

Depending on the materials involved and the purpose of the joint, wooden joints exhibit different characteristics, such as strength, flexibility, toughness , and appearance. Therefore, different types of wood joinery methods are used to meet different needs.

Due to the many types of wood joinery available, a woodworker can choose from a wide range of joints depending on the project at hand. To understand these different wood joints, I bring you a complete guide on the types of wood joints and their uses. Let’s get started.

Read Also: Different Types of Axes & Their Applications [Explained]

Types of Wood Joints

Following are the various types of wood joints:

• Mitered butt joint
• Half-lap joint
• Bridle joint
• Dowel joint
• Cross dowel joint
• Pocket joint
• Biscuit joint
• Groove joint
• Tongue and groove joint
• Mortise and tenon joint
• Dovetail joint
• Half-blind dovetail joint
• Scarf joint
• Rabbet joint
• Sliding dovetail joint

#1 Butt Joint

A butt joint is a basic and traditional wood joinery where one piece bumps into another end grain at 90 degrees. In this wood joint, the two pieces are not shaped or carved to lock into each other but are instead fastened using bolts and screws to hold them together.

It is easy to conduct as it only involves cutting the material into appropriate lengths and joining them together. However, it is also the weakest because unless reinforcement of some sort is used, it relies on glue or welding alone to hold it together. A butt joint is mainly used to fix baseboards and wall framing on construction sites.

#2 Mitered Butt Joint

A mitered butt joint is similar to a butt joint, except the two boards are joined at an angle rather than a square (forming a corner). As a result, the mitered butt joint won’t show any end grain, making it more aesthetically pleasing.

This is the simplest wood joint that requires any cutting to be joined together. But the cutting angle of the wood should be exactly 45°. Nevertheless, the mitered butt joint is not as strong butt joint. These types of wood joints are mainly used for making frames, furniture, doors, windows, etc.

#3 Lap Joint

Also known as an overlap joint, this is the type of wood joint in which the wood piece overlaps. These are popular types of wood joints and maybe a full lap or a half lap. A full-lap joint requires no material to be removed from either of the joined pieces, but a half-lap joint requires material to be removed from both pieces.

Typically in half-lap joints, the wood piece is of equal thickness, and half the thickness of each is removed. Lap joints can be made on two long grains where the faces are joined with glue. This joint is considered as the strongest joint and also has the ability to resist shear forces.

Read Also: What is Hack Saw? Its Parts, Types, Blades, Methods, and More

#4 Half-lap Joint

As mentioned earlier, a half-lap joint involves removing half of each board being joined so that they fit together. This joint only needs two cuts and a minor cleanup with a chisel . The half-lap joint has significant glue surfaces and a shoulder to help square the frame.

Although this type of wood joint can weaken the strength of two adjacent boards, it is also stronger than butt joints. This is an easy-to-handle wood joint that provides decoration and structure. On long runs and at 90-degree intersections, these joints are commonly used in framing lumber construction.

#5 Bridle Joint

In woodworking, bridle joints are similar to mortise and tenon joints because a tenon is cut to the end of one wood piece, and a mortise is cut on the other to accept it. In T-bridle joints, the ends of one piece are joined to the middle of the other, most commonly on corners.

The T-bridle joint is solid and suitable for joining two pieces together. Because the bridle joint has a large glue surface area and is relatively simple to execute, word workers tend to use it on large pieces. These are often used in large joining applications, such as workbenches with massive cross members or the manufacture of barn doors.

#6 Dowel Joint

Dowel joints are very attractive in appearance as well as they are stronger than other joints. It is helpful to join two pieces of wood by drilling dowel holes in each piece and using wooden pegs (dowels) to join them.

These dowels act like mechanical fasteners, bridging between the two boards and holding things together. Using this wood joint increases the stability of weak wood joints such as the butt joint. These types of wood joints are mainly used in furniture making. Apart from this, it is used in carpentry workshops to join two or more pieces of wood.

Read Also: 32 Types of Hammers and Their Uses [Pictures]

#7 Cross-Dowel Joint

These are very similar to dowel-type wood joints. The only difference is a threaded metal dowel is inserted into the drilled slot. In this joint, a screw is inserted and tightened to create a pull effect and is commonly used in factory-made furniture.

Cross-dowel joints make strong, secure, right-angle joints capable of withstanding high torque. If you take this joint apart and put it back together several times, it may not lose its strength or wear out from friction.

#8 Pocket Joint

This joint is more familiar even to novice woodworkers. With pocket joints, holes are drilled at an angle, usually 15 degrees, into one workpiece and then attached to a second piece by self-tapping screws. This drilling must be precise, so it is usually done using a commercial jig .

It is touted as the fastest and easiest way to join two pieces without clamping them. It is an excellent choice for cabinet face frames and similar applications where a lot of strength is not required. In addition, it can also be used for various configurations and functions, from picture frames to furniture.

#9 Biscuit Joint

This is another method of joining two pieces of wood where you don’t need nails or screw holes. It is a method of joinery in which compressed wood chips (the biscuit) are inserted between two pieces of wood of the same length.

It is a modern woodworking joint used specifically for making table tops, relying on glue and swelling of beechwood biscuit to hold the boards in place. These joints aren’t as strong as other joints, but they’re perfect if you’re building a series of cabinets and bookshelves.

Read Also: Different Types of Saws Used in Workshop (How To Use Them)

#10 Groove Joint

In this wood joint, a groove is a slot or gap cut into a wooden piece that runs parallel to the grain. The groove is thus different from the dado, which runs perpendicular to the grain. These are useful in cabinetry and other woodworking. In general, groove joints are used in panel construction and drawer bottoms.

#11 Tongue and Groove Joint

It is also a wood joint that facilitates the installation process of wood boards and materials. This is a typical wood joint made with two or more pieces of wood joined edge to edge. It is similar to a mortise-and-tenon joint in that a tongue protrudes from the center of one piece to fit into a matching pocket, groove in the other.

This joint is stronger and provides more adjacent surface area, which is especially useful if you are going to glue the joint. Tongue and groove joints are durable joints that can be used as floorboards, lining boards, wood paneling, and table tops.

#12 Mortise and Tenon Joint

Mortise in this joint refers to a pocket or groove cut in wood, and tenon describes a positive part of another wood piece that is inserted into the mortise. The mortise and tenon joint also gives the wood an attractive look.

This classic wood joint has been used since the earliest times of woodworking and is still one of the strongest and most elegant methods of joining wood. One drawback of this joint is its difficulty making it because it requires precise measuring and cutting. This joint is commonly used to make wood components such as beams, roof frames, structures, and brackets.

Read Also: List of 20 Different Types of Nuts and Bolts [Their Functions]

#13 Box Joint

Woodworkers make box joints by cutting complementary, interlocking profiles in two pieces of wood, which are then glued together at right angles. The glued box joint has a high gluing surface area resulting in a strong bond.

Box joints have parallel cuts and open visible joints. An alternative to the dovetail joint, they are used for box corners or box-like constructions. One advantage of using a box joint is that it is easy to make and can be easily mass-produced. This type of wood joint is suitable for joining wide slats, boards, and solid wood panels.

#14 Dovetail Joint

The dovetail joint is formed by one or more tapered projections on one piece that engage with corresponding grooves in the other. Dovetail joints are beautiful to look at and strong, plus they are the most difficult joints to execute.

It is made by hand, using a combination of saw and chisel work, or cut with an array of router templates available, ensuring proper alignment of the pin and tail. These joints are commonly used in joinery woodworking, including furniture, cabinets, log building, and traditional wood framing. Dovetail joints generally give high strength and resistance.

#15 Half-blind Dovetail Joint

It is almost identical to a dovetail joint, but the only difference is that the joint edges are hidden from the front end. In this wood joint, the tails are placed in sockets at the ends of the board to be the front of the item so that their ends cannot be noticed.

A drawer front can be a perfect example to illustrate this, where you want to avoid seeing the end through the dovetail on the face of the drawer. In these cases, the best option is to install a half-blind dovetail.

Read Also: Types of Nail Guns and Their Uses [When and How to Use]

#16 Dado Joint

A dado refers to a slot, or trench, cut into the surface of a piece of material, usually wood. Simply put, it’s a square grooved slot on one board that another board will fit into. It is the strongest joint in wood and is composed of a three-sided channel cut in the grain of a workpiece.

These are cut with a router, or a dado blade in a table saw. Dados are often used to attach brackets to cabinet bodies. The dado joint is similar to the tongue-and-groove joint, and it is a commonly used woodworking joint for joining plywood, such as in cabinetry construction.

#17 Scarf Joint

Also known as a scarf joint, it is a method of joining two members end-to-end in woodworking. A scarf joint is a perfect option if you’ve got long pieces of lumber available. It forms a 45-degree angle with the elevation at the end of a board where two pieces meet, resulting in an invisible transition between parts.

This joint is often preferred over other joints in joinery because it yields a barely visible glue line, unlike the butt joint and the splice joint. These types of wood joints are mainly used in boat and canoe making.

#18 Rabbet Joint

Also known as a rebate joint, this is a groove or dado on the edge of a lumber piece that forms a lip. The lip can then be inserted into the groove snugly. Cabinets and similar assemblies can be strengthened by using rabbets to attach the back to the sides of the box.

These joints are not as strong and are often supported with screws, nails, or dowels. The joint is fairly easy to make, and the appearance is even more effective than a butt joint, making it a better joint for carpentry or cabinet making. Rebate joints are useful for furniture construction that uses boards, such as small dressers.

Read Also: 24 Essential Types of Screwdrivers with Their Uses

#19 Sliding Dovetail Joint

Using a sliding dovetail, two boards can be joined at right angles in the field of one board rather than at the end. This design allows the interlocking strength of a dovetail. This type of wood joint is assembled by sliding the tail into the socket.

Sliding dovetail joints are versatile joints that have many applications. It is mechanically strong, provides a good amount of glue surface, is fairly easy to make, and is attractive when assembled. To make this wood joint, all you need is a router, router table, and a dovetail bit.

Closing It Up

I hope I have covered everything about the “ Types of wood joints. ” If I missed something, or if you have any doubts, let me know in the comments. If you liked this article, please share it with your friends.

Want free PDFs direct to your inbox? Then subscribe to our newsletter.

Type your email…

Download PDF of this article:

You might like to read more in our blog:

• What are the different types of metals and their uses?
• 18 Marking Tools & Their Uses [Names & Pictures] Explained
• Types of Welding Joints and Their Uses (Explained in Detail)

About MD Iyas

He is a mechanical engineer by profession and has five years of experience in the mechanical engineering field. He knows everything about machines and production work. Say hi to him :)

2 thoughts on “19 Types of Wood Joints: Their Uses [Names & Pics] PDF”

Awesome Content Boss

Thanks for your feedback.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .