Main joints – Anatomy Atlas – Orthoracle LuanMD

Table of Contents

Overview

Main joints of the human body (anterior view)

In the upper limb, the most proximal joint is the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint, formed between the humerus and scapula. Next is the elbow joint, that connects the humerus to the radius and ulna. The radiocarpal (wrist) joint features the articulation of the radius to the carpal bones of the hand. Within the hand, the carpometacarpal joints connect the carpal bones to the metacarpals, while the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints connect the metacarpals to the phalanges of the hand.

Main joints of the human body (posterior view)

The joint that allows for the greatest range of motion is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), featuring the mandible and temporal bone. The most proximal joint of the lower body is the sacroiliac joint, that connects the sacrum to the ilium. Next, the hip joint is formed between the femur and hip bone. Found between the thigh and leg is the knee joint, an articulation between the femur, tibia and patella. Continuing distally, we have the ankle joint that connects the tibia and fibula to the talus. In the foot region, the main joints are the subtalar joint, connecting the talus to the calcaneus; and the interphalangeal joints, formed between the phalanges of the toes.

Keypoints

Key points about the main joints of the human body
Main joints of the upper body	Temporomandibular joint: Mandible and temporal bone Zygapophyseal joints: Superior and inferior articular process of adjacent vertebrae Sternoclavicular joint: Sternum and clavicle Acromioclavicular joint: Acromion of scapula and clavicle Glenohumeral joint: Humerus and scapula Elbow joint: Humerus, radius and ulna Radiocarpal joint: Radius and carpal bones Carpometacarpal joints: Carpal and metacarpal bones Metacarpophalangeal joints: Metacarpal bones and phalanges of hand
Main joints of the lower body	Sacroiliac joint: Sacrum and ilium Hip joint: Hip bone and femur Knee joint: Femur, tibia and patella Ankle joint: Tibia, fibula and talus Subtalar joint: Talus and calcaneus Interphalangeal joints: Phalanges of foot