synovial joints

Synovial joints are freely movable joints. The structure of synovial joints is more complex than fibrous or cartilaginous joints. Articulation of synovial joints includes cartilage, a joint cavity, an articular capsule and a synovial membrane with synovial fluid. Synovial joints are distinguished by the type of movement allowed by their structure.

Types of synovial joints:

• plane - gliding joints such as the bones in the wrist (nonaxial)
• hinge - joints which move in one direction like the elbow (uniaxial)
• pivot - joints which rotate around one axis
• condyloid - joints which move in four directions (biaxial)
• saddle - joints shaped like saddles which move in four directions (biaxial)
• ball and socket - joints which move in multiple directions (multiaxial)