Joints are the location of two bones that often are dependant on a central structure.

Joints allow movement, support, and structure to bones and ligaments .

From a structure viewpoint there are 3 catagories:

1.)   Cartilaginous joints
2.)   Fibrous joints
3.)   Synovial joints

From a functions viewpoint there are 3 catagories

1.)  Amphiarthrosis  -  allow minimal movement  -  most are cartilaginous joints
2.)  Diarthrosis  -  A large amount of movement  -  most are synovial joints
3.)  Synarthrosis  -  almost none to no movement  -  most are fibrous joints

Specific joints are as followed:

Suture joints – fibrous joints – found on skull berween cranial sutures

Plane joints – synovial joint – ankle, hand – allow bones to glide to side of another bone

Hinge joints – synovial joint – Knee, elbow, fingers, and toes – allow for only bending
and straightening movements

Pivot joints – synovial joint – neck – allow for somwhat limited rotating movement

Ellipsoidial joint – synovial joint – wrist – allow for a more complicated movement – including
ball and socket movement, hinge movement.

Saddle joints – synovial joint – wrist – allow for other complex movements in two planes

Ball and socket joint – synovial joint – hip and shoulders – allow for forward and backward
movement along with sideways and rotating movements