Video - Fibrous, cartilage, and synovial joints

There are three types of joints in the human body: fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial. Fibrous joints are held together by dense connective tissue, cartilaginous joints are held together by cartilage, and synovial joints are free-moving and enclosed in a capsule. Each type of joint has different features and performs different functions.

Fibrous joints include the sutures between the bones of the skull. These are very strong joints but with limited to no motion. Cartilaginous joints include the disks that separate the vertebrae. These joints allow for some movement but are mostly stable. Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body and include all joints that move, such as the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. Synovial joints are surrounded by a capsule filled with synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint and allows for smooth movement.