What Exactly Is A Synovial Joint?
A synovial joint is a bodily joint that is surrounded by pockets of synovial fluid. This fluid acts as a lubricant and aids in the joint’s ability to move freely. Synovial fluid is a thick, viscous substance that serves to cushion the impact of bone movement. In a synovial joint, the related bones are not connected by any solid tissue. Synovial joints give us the ability to achieve the following motions: • Extension (straightening out) • Flexion (bending) • Rotation (circular movement) • Adduction (moving in toward your core) • Abduction (moving outward from core) There are a variety of synovial joints, found in different areas of the body. • Hinge Joints – Just like they sound, hinge joints allow a sort of back and forth motion – like a hinge does for a door. The elbow is a hinge joint. • Saddle Joints – This is a type of joint where the connecting end of each bone is shaped so that one fits inside the other. This kind of joint allows a wide range of motion and is only found in the th
