Lecture on Types of Joints in the Human Body

Introduction

• Importance of understanding joint types for motion and artistic representation
• Focus on synovial joints for artists

Types of Joints

Synovial Joints

• Allow movement; essential for artists to study
• Types:
  1. Hinge
     • Movement on one axis (flexion and extension)
     • Example: Elbow
  2. Pivot
     • Rotation on one axis along the long axis
     • Example: Radio-ulnar joint
     • Allows pronation and supination of the forearm
  3. Ball & Socket
     • Movement in all axes; most flexible joint
     • Examples: Hip and Shoulder
     • Stability vs. range of motion (Hip more stable, Shoulder more flexible)
  4. Ellipsoid
     • Similar to Ball & Socket, but no rotation
     • Flexion/Extension, Abduction/Adduction, Circumduction
     • Example: Wrist
  5. Saddle
     • Similar to Ellipsoid, limited rotation
     • Structure allows flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, circumduction
     • Example: Thumb
  6. Plane
     • Flat surfaces, allow gliding/rotation
     • Examples: Carpals of the hand, Tarsals of the foot, Acromioclavicular joint

Cartilaginous Joints

• Generally less relevant to artists
• Exception: The spine (to be covered in the next lesson)

Assignments

1. Find and study these joints on your own body
2. Draw simple versions of these joints
   • Utilize perspective
   • Post in designated Facebook group for feedback

Resources

• E-books:
  • PDF defining anatomical terms visually
  • PDF classifying joints by type
• 3D Model:
  • Robo Skelly for interactive study

Additional Information

• Access premium features at proko.com/anatomy