Types of Movements at Synovial Joints

Introduction

• Synovial joints are diarthritic, meaning they are freely movable.
• Movements depend on:
  • Articulation of bones
  • Arrangement of ligaments and tendons
  • Muscle tension
  • Hormone production
  • Apposition of soft spots

Types of Synovial Joints

1. Planar
2. Hinge
3. Pivot
4. Condyloid
5. Saddle
6. Ball and Socket

Factors Affecting Movement

• Shape of articulating bones
• Arrangement of ligaments and tendons
• Muscle tension
• Hormones
• Apposition of soft tissues

Special Movements

• Protraction and Retraction
  • Protraction: Moving a part of the body forward (e.g., jaw or shoulders).
  • Retraction: Moving a part of the body backward.
• Elevation and Depression
  • Elevation: Lifting a body part (e.g., shoulders).
  • Depression: Lowering a body part.
• Inversion and Eversion (ankle movements)
  • Inversion: Turning the sole of the foot inward.
  • Eversion: Turning the sole of the foot outward.

Angular Movements

• Flexion, Extension, and Hyperextension
  • Flexion: Decreasing the angle between bones.
  • Extension: Increasing the angle back to anatomical position.
  • Hyperextension: Extending beyond normal range.
• Abduction and Adduction
  • Abduction: Moving away from the midline.
  • Adduction: Moving towards the midline.
• Circumduction
  • Circular movement at a joint.

Rotational Movements

• Rotation
  • Movement around an axis (e.g., neck, arm, or leg).
  • Medial Rotation: Rotating towards the midline.
  • Lateral Rotation: Rotating away from the midline.

Plantarflexion and Dorsiflexion

• Plantarflexion: Standing on tiptoes.
• Dorsiflexion: Lifting the foot towards the shin.

Pronation and Supination

• Occurs at the radial ulnar joint (pivot joint).
• Supination: Palms face forward (can hold soup).
• Pronation: Palms face backward.

Opposition

• Touching the thumb to other fingers, forming an "O" shape.

Conclusion

• These movements are fundamental to various activities and are specific to different joints.
• Understanding these movements is crucial for fields like anatomy, physiotherapy, and medicine.