Ellipsoidal Joint
An ellipsoidal joint, also known as a condyloid joint, is a type of synovial joint that allows movement in two planes. This joint structure consists of an oval-shaped end of one bone fitting into an elliptical cavity of another bone, enabling flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. A common example of an ellipsoidal joint is the connection between the radius and the carpals in the wrist.
Ellipsoidal joints provide a greater range of motion than hinge joints but less than ball-and-socket joints. They are essential for various movements in the body, allowing for coordinated actions such as grasping and rotating the wrist. This joint type plays a crucial role in the functionality of the upper limb.