Match the type of synovial joint with its correct description Gliding joint Condyloid joint Saddle joint Hinge Joint Pivot joint Ball and socket A. The only multi-axial joint found in the shoulder and hip joints B. “Joint where the convex end of one bone, fits into the concave portion of the other. Found in the radiocarpal joint of the wrist” C. Biaxial joint similar to a horses saddle. Allows for coronal and sagittal plane movement D. Joint in which the two bones slide over each other and has limited movement E. The elbow joint F. Allows for movment along the longitudinal axis of the bone only. Found in the atlanto-axial joint of the vetebrae
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Here’s the correct matching of each type of synovial joint with its description:
- Gliding joint – D: Joint in which the two bones slide over each other and has limited movement.
Explanation: Gliding joints allow bones to glide past each other in a back-and-forth or side-to-side motion. The movement is limited as the articular surfaces are generally flat. Examples include the joints between the carpal bones in the wrist and the tarsal bones in the ankle. - Condyloid joint – B: “Joint where the convex end of one bone fits into the concave portion of the other. Found in the radiocarpal joint of the wrist.”
Explanation: Condyloid joints (or ellipsoid joints) involve a convex surface fitting into a concave surface, allowing for biaxial movement (movement in two planes). In the wrist, for example, the radiocarpal joint allows both flexion-extension and abduction-adduction. - Saddle joint – C: Biaxial joint similar to a horse’s saddle. Allows for coronal and sagittal plane movement.
Explanation: The saddle joint is a special type of biaxial joint where both bones have concave and convex regions that fit together like a saddle. A prime example is the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb, which allows for flexion-extension and abduction-adduction, permitting a wide range of movement. - Hinge joint – E: The elbow joint.
Explanation: Hinge joints allow movement in one direction, similar to the motion of a door hinge. This movement is restricted to a single plane, usually flexion and extension. The elbow joint, along with the knee and interphalangeal joints, is a typical hinge joint. - Pivot joint – F: Allows for movement along the longitudinal axis of the bone only. Found in the atlanto-axial joint of the vertebrae.
Explanation: Pivot joints allow rotation around a single axis. The atlanto-axial joint, located between the first and second cervical vertebrae (the atlas and axis), allows the head to rotate from side to side, such as when shaking your head “no.” - Ball and socket joint – A: The only multi-axial joint found in the shoulder and hip joints.
Explanation: Ball and socket joints allow movement in multiple planes (triaxial movement) and are highly flexible. In the shoulder, the ball (humeral head) fits into the socket (glenoid cavity), and in the hip, the ball (femoral head) fits into the socket (acetabulum), allowing rotation, flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.
In summary, the types of synovial joints vary based on the shapes of their articulating surfaces and the types of movements they allow. From the highly flexible ball-and-socket joints to the more restricted hinge and pivot joints, each type of joint plays a specific role in the body’s movement capabilities
