Types of Joints Fibrous Fibrous joints connect bones without allowing any movement. The bones of your skull and pelvis are held together by fibrous joints. The union of the spinous processes and vertebrae are fibrous joints.

Cartilaginous Cartilaginous joints are joints in which the bones are attached by cartilage. These joints allow for only a little movement, such as in the spine or ribs.

Synovial Synovial joints allow for much more movement than cartilaginous joints. Cavities between bones in synovial joints are filled with synovial fluid. This fluid helps lubricate and protect the bones. Bursa sacks contain the synovial fluid.

Hinge The bones in the knees, elbows, fingers, and toes move just like the hinges on a door. The movement is somewhat limited, and it can only swing back and forth.

Pivot The first two vertebrae in your neck and the joint beneath your elbow move in a semicircle motion by twisting against each other.

Ball and Socket The ball and socket joint allows your arms and hips to move in many directions. A full 360° rotation give you a lot of freedom. Examples include the shoulder and hip.

Glide Joint The bones in the wrists and ankles slide against each other in a gliding motion Try out this joint by holding either right above your wrist or ankle and moving it to the right and left, and up and down.