A joint is any place where two or more bones meet, whether or not movement is possible between them.

What is an immovable joint?

An immovable joint is one in which the bones are bound together by fibrous tissue or fused outright, so that no movement at all can take place between them.

Why are the joints between the bones of the cranium immovable?

Locking the bones together turns the braincase into a single rigid shell, which gives the brain the greatest possible protection against a blow.

What is a gliding joint?

A gliding joint is one in which two flat or only slightly curved bone surfaces slide across one another.

Where in the body are gliding joints found?

Gliding joints are found between the carpals of the wrist, between the tarsals of the ankle, and between the articulating facets of neighbouring vertebrae.

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Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy: Joints

Types of joint in the human body

3 things to know
Component 3

Overview

Immovable joint, gliding joint and hinge joint.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

Why is the shoulder far more easily dislocated than the hip?

Key term

What is a joint?

Key term

Give two examples of immovable joints in the human body.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is a joint?
Model answer
A joint is any place where two or more bones meet, whether or not movement is possible between them.
2
What is an immovable joint?
Model answer
An immovable joint is one in which the bones are bound together by fibrous tissue or fused outright, so that no movement at all can take place between them.
3
Give two examples of immovable joints in the human body.
Model answer
The sutures between the flat bones of the cranium and the fused vertebrae of the sacrum are both immovable joints.
4
Why are the joints between the bones of the cranium immovable?
Model answer
Locking the bones together turns the braincase into a single rigid shell, which gives the brain the greatest possible protection against a blow.
5
What is a gliding joint?
Model answer
A gliding joint is one in which two flat or only slightly curved bone surfaces slide across one another.
6
Where in the body are gliding joints found?
Model answer
Gliding joints are found between the carpals of the wrist, between the tarsals of the ankle, and between the articulating facets of neighbouring vertebrae.

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