Synovial joints and the movements they allow

Overview

Synovial joints and their articulating bones at the knee, elbow, shoulder and hip, flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation and circumduction, and ligaments, cartilage and tendons.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What is a synovial joint?

   Model answer

   A synovial joint is a freely movable joint where two or more bones meet. The joint is enclosed in a capsule containing lubricating synovial fluid.

2. 2

   Which type of synovial joint is the knee, and which bones articulate there?

   Model answer

   The knee is a hinge joint. The femur and the tibia articulate at the knee.

3. 3

   Which type of synovial joint is the elbow, and which bones articulate there?

   Model answer

   The elbow is a hinge joint. The humerus articulates with the radius and the ulna at the elbow.

4. 4

   Which type of synovial joint is the shoulder, and which bones articulate there?

   Model answer

   The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. The rounded head of the humerus fits into a shallow socket on the scapula.

5. 5

   At the hip, which bone forms the ball and which forms the socket?

   Model answer

   The hip is a ball and socket joint between the pelvis and the femur. The rounded head of the femur sits in a cup-shaped socket in the pelvis.

6. 6

   Which movements can happen at a hinge joint?

   Model answer

   A hinge joint allows only flexion and extension. The bones move back and forth in one plane, like a door on its hinge.

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