Question

what is freely movable joints? Explain according to the 3marks

Answer 1

Pivot Joints Move Side to Side

A pivot joint provides for rotation around only one axis. One bone rotates around another within a concave ring formed in the second bone. This ring is lined with a ligament to make the movement smooth. A pivot joint is what enables the neck to rotate to the left and right and the forearm to make a rotating motion.

Hinge Joints Bend Your Limbs

Hinge joints make it possible for limbs to flex and extend along only one axis. The bones fit together perfectly, one convex and the other concave. Elbows, fingers and toes are hinge joints. Certain hinge joints are more complicated to provide limited motion in other directions and are referred to as modified hinge joints. Multiple bones meet at the knee and ankle joints, making them more complex. The resulting structure allows for slight rotation of the knee and circular movement of the ankle.

Ball and Socket Joints Provide Rotation

Ball and socket joints are the most mobile, allowing a wide range of motion. These are the shoulder and hip joints. The bones in these joints fit together with a spherical bone sitting inside another bone that has a concave depression. This structure allows for bending and circular movement as well as rotation of the limb.

Condyloid Joints Twist and Bend

Condyloid or ellipsoidal joints are ball and socket joints that are elliptical rather than round, allowing bending and circular movement but rendering rotation impossible. This provides movement in two planes: bending and flexing as a hinge joint as well as a certain amount of rotation. These joints are found in the wrist and the base of the index finger.

Saddle Joints Have a Unique Shape

Saddle joints are similar to condyloid joints, but the connecting bones are shaped more like interlocking saddles. This allows for a greater range of motion than hinge joints but does not allow complete rotation like ball and socket joints provide. The thumb is the best example of this.

Gliding Joints Allow Smooth Motion

Gliding or plane joints are points where bones meet as flat surfaces and can freely glide past each other in any direction. Gliding joints are found in wrists, ankles and the spine.