Examples of Saddle Joints
The human body has a few saddle joints. These joints are highly flexible and allow for two degrees of freedom. Examples of Saddle Joints includes:
Carpometacarpal Joint of the Thumb
In humans the most common example of the saddle joint is found at the base of the thumb. The trapezium bone of the wrist forms the convex surface, and the base of the first metacarpal bone forms the concave surface. The movements allowed by this joint includes
opposition and reposition which enables the thumb to touch the tips of the other fingers.
Sternoclavicular Joint
The collarbone or the clavicle articulates with the breastbone or sternum. The joint allow movements in multiple planes, including elevation, depression, protraction, and retraction. The joint is covered by a strong ligament that prevent it from getting injured. This joint enables wide range of activities like raising the arm above head, and also provide support to the shoulder.
Incudomalleolar Joint
The incudomalleolar joint, also known as the incudostapedial joint, is a synovial joint in the middle ear. This joint connects the incus (anvil bone) and the malleus (hammer bone) by small ligament in the middle ear. It enables the transfer of vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear and contribute to the process of hearing.
Calcaneocuboid Joint of the Heel
The calcaneocuboid joint is a synovial joint present on the lateral side of the foot. It connects the calcaneus (heel bone) and the cuboid bone and contributes to the flexibility and stability of the foot. It allows for limited gliding and rotation movements.
Saddle Joints
The saddle joint is a type of synovial joint that allows a wide range of movements. movement in two planes. Joints are characterized by the presence of two reciprocal concave and convex surfaces, that allow movement in two planes. These planes are flexion/extension and abduction/adduction. In the human body, the saddle joint can be found in the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb, the incudomalleolar joint of the middle ear, the sternoclavicular joint of the thorax, and the calcaneocuboid joint of the heel.
Table of Content
- What are Saddle Joints?
- Diagram of the Saddle Joints
- Movement of Saddle Joints
- Examples of Saddle Joints
- Features of Saddle Joints
- Location of Saddle Joints
- Functions of Saddle Joints