Synovial Joint Movements

Gliding Movements

• Simplest joint movements• One flat bone surface glides or slips over

another similar surface• Examples – intercarpal and intertarsal joints,

and between the flat articular processes of the vertebrae

Gliding Movement

Figure 8.5a

Angular Movement

• Flexion — bending movement that decreases the angle of the joint

• Extension — reverse of flexion; joint angle is increased

• Dorsiflexion and plantar flexion — up and down movement of the foot

Angular Movement

Figure 8.5b

Angular Movement

Figure 8.5c, d

Angular Movement

• Abduction — movement away from the midline

• Adduction — movement toward the midline• Circumduction — movement describes a cone

in space– Quickest way to exercise the most muscles

Angular Movement

Figure 8.5e, f

Rotation

• The turning of a bone around its own long axis

• Examples– Between first two

vertebrae– Hip and shoulder

joints

Figure 8.5g

Special Movements

• Supination and pronation• Inversion and eversion• Protraction and retraction– Anterior to Posterior movement

• Elevation and depression– Superior to Inferior movement

• Opposition

Special Movements

Figure 8.6a

Special Movements

Figure 8.6b

Special Movements

Figure 8.6c

Special Movements

Figure 8.6d

Special Movements

Figure 8.6e