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What are the 7 major joints in the body?

Published in Human Anatomy 2 mins read

The question is incomplete as it does not provide 7 major joints. However, based on the context provided, these are 6 types of synovial joints in the body:

While there isn't a definitive list of the 7 "major" joints that is universally agreed upon, we can discuss the 6 types of synovial joints, which are often considered major due to their range of motion and commonality throughout the body. These joints allow for a wide array of movements essential for daily activities.

Types of Synovial Joints

Here's a breakdown of the different types of synovial joints, incorporating the reference information:

Joint Type Description Example(s) Movement
Ball and Socket The rounded head of one bone sits in the cup of another, permitting movement in all directions. Hip, Shoulder Movement in all planes, including rotation.
Hinge Allows movement in one plane, similar to a door hinge. Elbow, Knee, Ankle Flexion and extension.
Condyloid (Ellipsoidal) An oval-shaped condyle fits into an elliptical cavity. Wrist Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction.
Pivot Allows for rotational movement around a single axis. Atlantoaxial joint (neck), Radioulnar joint (forearm) Rotation.
Gliding (Plane) Allows for gliding or sliding movements. Intercarpal and intertarsal joints (wrists and ankles) Gliding, sliding, or planar movements.
Saddle Both bones have a saddle shape, allowing for a wide range of motion. Carpometacarpal joint of the thumb Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, circumduction, and opposition.

Understanding these joint types is crucial for understanding human movement and how the skeletal system functions.

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