Types of Joints in the Human Body

Introduction

The simulation “Types of Joints in the Human Body” offers an innovative and immersive approach to understanding the meaning of joints and the different kinds of joints present in the human body. The areas where two or more bones connect or articulate are called joints. They support movement and hold the skeleton together. There are around 360 such joints in the human body. The force generated by the muscles is used to carry out movement through joints, where the joint acts as a fulcrum.

Procedure

Procedure to observe the different types of joints in the human body is as follows:

• Observe various types of bones and joints present in a human skeleton.
• Draw a labelled diagram of your observations.

Observation

The bones of the skull are tightly held together by fibrous connective tissues, forming fibrous joints that do not allow any movement. Such joints are called immovable joints. The joints of the vertebral column are joined together with the help of cartilage. They are cartilaginous joints. They allow a limited degree of movement. The joints of the shoulder are freely movable as they allow a wide range of movements and are filled with synovial fluid. These are called synovial joints. These are the most common types of joints in the body.

Synovial joints have five different types.  They are the pivot joint, ball and socket joint, hinge joint, gliding joint, and saddle joint. The joint between the atlas and the axis is an example of a pivot joint. The joint between the humerus and pectoral girdle is an example of a ball and socket joint. The elbow joint is an example of a hinge joint. Joints between the carpals are examples of gliding joints. The metacarpal and carpal bones form a joint at the base of the thumb, which is an example of a saddle joint.

FAQs on Joints in Human Body