Question #272
What type of joint is the interphalangeal joint?
Synovial joints take a range of different shapes which reflect their function. Unfortunately there is a degree of disparity of classification of synovial joints between textbooks. In addition, occasionally the classification based on structure does not match the functional classification of a joint. The following is an abbreviated list of examples of different synovial joint types:
- Condyloid
- Atlanto-occipital
- Metatarsophalangeal/metacarpophalangeal
- Radiocarpal
- Hinge
- Elbow
- Knee
- Interphalangeal
- Temporomandibular (atypical)
- Pivot
- Superior and inferior radioulnar
- Atlanto-axial
- Ball and socket
- Saddle (Sellar)
- Sternoclavicular (atypical, functions as ball and socket)
- 1st carpometacarpal
- Plane
- Proximal tibiofibular
- Intertarsal, intercarpal
- Tarsometatarsal, 2nd-5th carpometacarpal
- Intermetatarsal, intermetacarpal
- Facet joints (zygapophysial)
- Costovertebral (head of rib and costotransverse)
- Interchondral
- 2nd – 7th sternochondral (atypical)
- Acromioclavicular (atypical)
- Intermetacarpal