What do hinge joints allow

Log In. Sign Up. Become a Gold Supporter and see no ads. Log in Sign up. Articles Cases Courses Quiz. About Recent Edits Go ad-free. Edit article. View revision history Report problem with Article. Tendons another type of tough connective tissue on each side of a joint attach to muscles that control movement of the joint.

Tendons connect muscles to bones. Fluid-filled sacs, called bursas, between bones, ligaments, or other nearby structures. They help cushion the friction in a joint. Other joints may move a little, such as the vertebrae. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Types of joints Freely moving joints Types of movement Structure of a joint Joint conditions Where to get help. Types of joints Joints are described by how much movement they allow.

The three broad classes of joints include: Immovable — the two or more bones are in close contact, but no movement can occur — for example, the bones of the skull. The joints of the skull are called sutures. Slightly movable — two or more bones are held together so tightly that only limited movement is permitted — for example, the vertebrae of the spine.

Freely movable — most joints within the human body are this type. Motion is the purpose of the joint. Freely moving joints The six types of freely movable joint include: Ball and socket joint — the rounded head of one bone sits within the cup of another, such as the hip joint or shoulder joint.

Movement in all directions is allowed. Saddle joint — this permits movement back and forth and from side to side, but does not allow rotation, such as the joint at the base of the thumb. Hinge joint — the two bones open and close in one direction only along one plane like a door, such as the knee and elbow joints.

Condyloid joint — this permits movement without rotation, such as in the jaw or finger joints. Pivot joint — one bone swivels around the ring formed by another bone, such as the joint between the first and second vertebrae in the neck. Medications can also relieve symptoms. Aerobic activity and strength training may help people with osteoarthritis who are dealing with pain and mobility issues.

Hinge joints allow the movement of certain parts of the body in one plane. There are hinge joints in the fingers, toes, knees, elbows, and ankles. Although hinge joints are stable, people can still dislocate a bone in them. Osteoarthritis is common in hinge joints. People with osteoarthritis can try specific exercise programs that include aerobic and strength activities to help prevent the condition from worsening. Physical activity may also reduce osteoarthritis-related pain.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a painful and chronic condition that can reduce mobility. It happens when the cartilage that covers the bones in the…. What are hinge joints? Anatomy and function. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. What are they?