Types of synovial joints

There are six main types of synovial joints and each type is labelled based on its structure and movement potential.

Name Location Movement Potential
Ball and socket Shoulder and hip Flexion, extension, horizontal flexion and extension, internal and external rotation, circumduction, adduction and abduction.
Hinge Elbow and knee Flexion and extension.
Pivot Neck and forearm Rotation.
Saddle Thumb Adduction, abduction, flexion and extension.
Gliding Collarbone, wrists and ankles Elevation and depression
Ellipsoid / Condyloid Knuckles Flexion, extension, circumduction, adduction and abduction.

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