Muscles and joints work together to provide movement for the human skeleton. Without these two anatomical parts of the body, the skeleton would be unable to move, eat, lift objects, walk or run. Although skeletal muscle remains the same, several types of joints are located on the human skeleton. These joints provide an array of movement, from circular to a hinge-type movement that only allows the skeleton to move back and forth.
Ball and Socket
Ball and socket joints are located on the large bones on the body. Ball and socket joints are located in the arms where the shoulder meets the humorus, and are located on the femur where the skeletal bone meets the hip. This type of joint allows muscle to move the skeleton in a full-circle area. For instance, when a person moves the arm at the shoulder, the range of movement is large. The muscles can move the skeleton to the rear of the body, above and below. Ball and socket joints are also susceptible to dislocation.
Condyloid
Condyloid joints are similar to ball and socket joints. These joints also fit a round joint into a socket. However, the condyloid joint is more oval in shape, and it does not provide for the range of motion available that the ball and socket joint gives the person. Condyloid joints are found in the toes and fingers. These joints are abundant in the fingers, giving a range of motion for the fingers, knuckles and the fingers' ends. The muscles pull on the finger skeleton, and the condyloid joints allow fingers to type, hold objects and support the body during exercises such as push-ups.
Hinges
Hinge joints work together with skeletal muscle to move a part of the body back and forth. Hinge joints are found in areas of the body such as the elbows and the knees. Try to move the knee or elbow in the wrong direction, and the person meets resistance. These joints are essential for walking in the legs, and the muscles surrounding the area are important for balance. The elbow and muscles help the person lift and hold objects.
