types of synovial joints [1]

Joints bounded by a fibrous capsule whose inner membrane secretes a viscous lubricating liquid (synovia), thus allowing a wide range of motion.

elbow

Example of a hinged joint, between the arm and forearm.

humerus

Long arm bone articulating with the scapula to form the shoulder, and with the radius and the ulna to form the elbow.

ulna

Long bone forming the inner portion of the forearm articulating especially with the humerus.

pivot joint

Enables rotation around a lengthwise axis: the cylindrical terminal part of a bone is encased in a hollow cylinder. Examples include the tibia and the fibula.

ball-and-socket joint

Allows movement along three axes, such as in the elbow: flexion and extension, rotation, and adduction (arm drawing near the trunk) and abduction (arm drawing away from the trunk).

hinge joint

Enables flexion and extension along a single axis. The elbow is a particularly good example: the round terminal part of the humerus turns in the hollow of the ulna.

shoulder

Example of a ball-and-socket joint, between the humerus and the thorax.

humerus

Long arm bone articulating with the scapula to form the shoulder, and with the radius and the ulna to form the elbow.

scapula

Large thin flat bone articulating with the clavicle and the humerus to form the shoulder; numerous shoulder and back muscles are attached to it.

leg

Example of a pivot joint, between the fibula and the tibia.

fibula

Long bone forming the outer portion of the leg articulating especially with the tibia.

tibia

Long bone forming the inner portion of the leg articulating especially with the fibula.