Dance Anatomy & Kinesiology

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TABLE 1.4 Types of Synovial Joints

Examples Description

Uniaxial joints

Hinge In hinge joints, a spool-shaped surface fits into a concave

surface allowing motion in one plane (flexion-extension in

the sagittal plane). Example: elbow joint.

Pivot In pivot joints, an arch- or ring-shaped surface rotates about

a rounded pivot allowing motion in one plane (rotation in

the horizontal plane). Example: upper radioulnar joint.

Biaxial joints

Condyloid In condyloid joints, an oval-shaped condyle fits into an

elliptical cavity allowing motion in two planes (flexion-

extension in the sagittal plane and abduction-adduction in

the frontal plane). Example: knuckles (metacarpophalangeal

joints) in hands.

Saddle In saddle joints, a saddle-shaped bone fits into a socket that

is concave-convex in the opposite direction allowing motion

in two planes (generally involving specialized movement

terminology). Example: thumb (first carpometacarpal joint).

Triaxial joints

Ball-and-socket In ball-and-socket joints, a ball-shaped head fits into a

socket allowing motion in three planes (flexion-extension in

the sagittal plane, abduction-adduction in the frontal plane,

and external rotation-internal rotation in the horizontal

plane). Example: shoulder joint.

Ulna

Humerus