Saddle Joints: Definition, Types, Structure and Functions - Testbook.com

Last Updated on Jul 31, 2023
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Joints represent a crucial part of our anatomy, serving as the points of connection between bones and cartilage. They facilitate movement, bear weight, and essentially hold our bodies together. Among the various types of joints - freely movable, fixed, and slightly movable - each has a unique function that supports our ability to move and perform daily tasks.

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Joints

Of these, synovial joints are the most prevalent in the human body. Characterized by their flexibility and mobility, they enable a wide array of movements like walking, typing, and running. These joints are typically found in areas like the neck, shoulders, wrists, and knees.

Synovial joints are further categorized into six types based on their movement patterns:

  • Plane joints
  • Pivot joints
  • Hinge joints
  • Saddle joints
  • Ellipsoidal joints
  • Ball-and-socket joints

Read More: Synovial joints

In this article, we delve deeper into the intricacies of Saddle Joints.

A Closer Look at Saddle Joints

Saddle joints are biaxial and movable joints that facilitate movements on two planes–flexion and extension, and abduction and adduction. They are formed between bones that feature both concave and convex articulating surfaces.

Also known as sellar joints, saddle joints are highly flexible. They are found in limited areas in our bodies, such as the base of the thumb, the upper part of the sternum, and the incudomalleolar joint found in the inner part of the human ear .

Characteristics of Saddle Joints

  1. Saddle joints bear resemblance to condyloid joints.
  2. The name 'saddle joint' is derived from its unique shape and structure.
  3. The joint's appearance is akin to a saddle seat, hence the name.
  4. The bones connected by this joint resemble interlocking saddles.
  5. Saddle joints allow a wider range of motion compared to other joints.
  6. Unlike ball-and-socket joints, saddle joints do not facilitate complete rotation.
  7. Saddle joints offer greater flexibility and interlocking capabilities compared to other synovial joints.
  8. The structure of saddle joints is a combination of both hinge and ball-and-socket joints.

Also Refer: Types of Joints

This article provides an introduction to saddle joints, their types, structure, and functions. For more information about joints, types of joints, and other related topics, please continue to visit our website.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A saddle joint is a type of biaxial and movable joint that allows movements on two planes–flexion or extension and abduction or adduction. This joint is mainly formed between the bones, whose articulating surfaces have both concave and convex regions.

Saddle joints are similar to condyloid joints, derived from its shape or structure and looks quite similar to the saddle seat. The connecting bones are shaped like interlocking saddles, allowing a greater range of motion than other joints. Compared to ball and socket joints, saddle joints do not provide a complete rotation. They have more flexibility and interlocking than other types of synovial joints. The structure of saddle joints is a combination of both hinge joint and ball and socket joint.

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