Understanding Human Joint Types in Art

Oct 11, 2024

Proko Lesson: Types of Joints in the Human Body

Introduction

  • Focus on joints that define body motion and limitations.
  • Concentration on synovial joints (e.g., shoulder, knee) for artists due to their mobility.
  • Fibrous and cartilaginous joints have limited or no movement.

Importance in Drawing

  • Understanding joint positioning helps in realistic depiction of movement and positions.
  • Synovial joints are crucial for squash and stretch effects in art.

Types of Synovial Joints

  • Six types: hinge, pivot, ball and socket, ellipsoid, saddle, and plane.
  • Each allows different movements critical for posing and stretching limits in art.

Hinge Joint

  • Movement: Only on one axis.
  • Example: Elbow.
  • Allows: Flexion and extension.

Pivot Joint

  • Movement: Rotation on one axis.
  • Example: Radial ulnar joint (forearm).
  • Allows: Pronation and supination (forearm twisting).

Ball and Socket Joint

  • Movement: All axes.
  • Examples: Hip and shoulder.
  • Hip: More stable, limited range.
  • Shoulder: Greater range, less stability.

Ellipsoid Joint

  • Movement: Two axes, no rotation.
  • Example: Wrist (radial carpal joint).
  • Allows: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, circumduction.

Saddle Joint

  • Movement: Similar to ellipsoid, limited rotation.
  • Example: Carpometacarpal joint of the thumb.
  • Allows: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, circumduction, slight rotation.

Plane Joint

  • Movement: Gliding and some rotation.
  • Examples: Carpals of the hand, tarsals of the foot.

Special Mention: The Spine

  • Although not synovial, the spine is crucial for artists due to its role in posture and movement.
  • Will be discussed in the next lesson.

Assignments

  1. Identify and study movements of these joints on your own body.
  2. Draw simple versions of these joints, focusing on perspective.
    • Post in Facebook group for feedback.

Resources

  • E-books: Visual guide to anatomical terms and joint classification.
  • 3D model of RoboSkelly for interactive learning.
  • Premium features available at proko.com/anatomy.

Conclusion

  • Encouragement to share and subscribe for more lessons.
  • Subscription link to Proko newsletter for updates.