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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Radius
    Forearm bone on the thumb side.
    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.
    Zygomaticus
    Muscle that raises the corners of the mouth.
    Cranial Bones
    Bones of the skull that protect the brain.
    Patella
    Knee cap, protecting the knee joint.
    Metatarsals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the mid-foot.
    Facial Bones
    Bones forming the structure of the face.
    Mandible
    Lower jawbone that houses the teeth.
    Pectoralis Major
    Chest muscle responsible for shoulder movement.
    Acromioclavicular Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the clavicle.
    Glenohumeral Ligaments
    Shoulder ligaments that stabilize the shoulder joint.
    Flexor Tendons
    Tendons that help flex the fingers and toes.
    Humerus
    Upper arm bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow.
    Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Trapezius
    Muscle responsible for moving, rotating, and stabilizing the scapula.
    Palatine Bones
    Bones forming part of the hard palate and nasal cavity.
    Coccyx
    Tailbone, the remnant of the tail in humans.
    Soleus
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Scapula
    Shoulder blade providing attachment for muscles of the upper limb.
    Ligamentum Flavum
    Spinal ligament connecting the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.
    Tarsals (7 bones)
    7 ankle bones.
    Patellar Tendon
    Tendon connecting the patella to the tibia.
    Frontal Bone
    Bone forming the forehead and upper part of the orbits.

    Pivot Joints

    Reviewed by our medical team

    e.g., atlanto-axial joint

    1. Overview

    A pivot joint, also known as a trochoid joint, is a type of synovial joint that allows rotational movement around a single axis. It functions like a mechanical axle, enabling one bone to rotate around another. Pivot joints are essential for motions such as head rotation and forearm pronation and supination. Though limited in range, they play a vital role in daily motor activities.

    2. Location

    There are two primary pivot joints in the human body:

    • Atlantoaxial joint (cervical spine): Located between the first (atlas) and second (axis) cervical vertebrae; allows head rotation side-to-side (e.g., "no" movement).

    • Proximal radioulnar joint (forearm): Located near the elbow, between the head of the radius and the radial notch of the ulna; enables pronation and supination of the forearm.

    3. Structure

    A pivot joint consists of a rounded or pointed bone that rotates within a ring formed by another bone and a ligament:

    • Bone component: One bone has a bony process (e.g., the dens of the axis or the radial head).

    • Ring or sleeve: This may be bony (e.g., atlas) or ligamentous (e.g., annular ligament of the radius).

    • Joint capsule: A fibrous capsule encloses the joint, allowing synovial fluid to lubricate and reduce friction.

    • Ligaments: Support and limit the range of motion; examples include the transverse ligament of the atlas and annular ligament in the elbow.

    4. Function

    Pivot joints allow uniaxial rotation around a central axis:

    • Rotation: The only permitted motion; no flexion, extension, abduction, or adduction.

    • Example in neck: Rotation of the head left and right via the atlantoaxial joint.

    • Example in forearm: Pronation (palm down) and supination (palm up) movements via the proximal radioulnar joint.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Pivot joints are essential for specific physiological tasks and functional mobility:

    • Vision and awareness: The atlantoaxial pivot joint allows the head to rotate and track visual or auditory stimuli.

    • Tool manipulation: The radioulnar pivot enables rotational forearm movement, allowing gripping, turning, and writing.

    • Neuromuscular coordination: Smooth rotational movement supports coordinated motor skills in upper limb and neck.

    6. Clinical Significance

    Though small, pivot joints are subject to specific injuries and disorders:

    • Atlantoaxial instability:

      • May be congenital (e.g., Down syndrome) or acquired (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), posing a risk for spinal cord compression.

    • Rotational subluxation:

      • Occurs when the atlas and axis misalign; can lead to torticollis or restricted head movement.

    • Radial head dislocation (nursemaid’s elbow):

      • Common in young children; results from sudden traction on the forearm causing the radial head to slip out of the annular ligament.

    • Fractures:

      • Radial head fractures can impair pronation and supination; dens fractures affect cervical rotation and may compromise neural structures.

    • Rheumatoid arthritis:

      • Chronic inflammation may erode ligaments or bones, especially in the cervical spine, destabilizing the pivot joint.

    Did you know? The sternocleidomastoid muscle helps rotate the head.