Question

How are joints classified? Explain with an example.

Answer 1

The point at which two separate bones meet is called a joint Depending on the type of movement they allow, joints can be of three types: fixed, slightly movable, and movable joints.

1. Fitted or Immovable joints:
In this type of joint, no movement is possible between the two bones. The structures between the bones of the skull box are examples of immovable joints.

2. Slightly movable joints:
Only very little (partial) movement occurs between the two bones. The joint between a rib and the breast bone or between the vertebrae is an example of a slightly movable joint.

3. Freely movable joints:
In this type, varying degree of movement is possible between the two bones forming the joint. There are six major types of movable joints.

Condition:
The different types of movable joints are:

Joint	Examples
Ball and Socket	Shoulder Hip
Hinge	Elbow Knee Ankle
Pivot	Spine (Atlas / Axis joint at the top)
Condyloid	Wrist
Gliding	Spine (between the bony processes of the vertebrae)
Saddle	Thumb, shoulder, and inner ear.