Introduction: Understanding types of joint movements and articulations is essential for B.Pharm students studying musculoskeletal pharmacology, drug delivery and clinical management. This concise guide covers structural classifications—fibrous, cartilaginous and synovial joints—and synovial joint types (plane, hinge, pivot, condyloid, saddle, ball-and-socket). Key movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, circumduction, supination, pronation, dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, plus uniaxial, biaxial and multiaxial actions and range of motion implications, are explained with clinical relevance to arthritis, dislocation and intra-articular therapy. Emphasis on articulating surfaces, capsules, synovial fluid and ligaments will aid understanding of pharmacotherapy and intervention strategies. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which of the following is a synovial joint?
- Suture
- Gomphosis
- Knee (tibiofemoral)
- Synchondrosis
Correct Answer: Knee (tibiofemoral)
Q2. Which joint movement decreases the angle between two bones?
- Extension
- Abduction
- Flexion
- Circumduction
Correct Answer: Flexion
Q3. Which synovial joint type primarily allows rotation around a single longitudinal axis?
- Hinge joint
- Pivot joint
- Ball-and-socket joint
- Plane joint
Correct Answer: Pivot joint
Q4. The shoulder joint is best classified as which type of synovial joint?
- Saddle joint
- Hinge joint
- Ball-and-socket joint
- Condyloid joint
Correct Answer: Ball-and-socket joint
Q5. Which structure secretes synovial fluid within a synovial joint?
- Articular cartilage
- Synovial membrane (synovium)
- Fibrous capsule
- Meniscus
Correct Answer: Synovial membrane (synovium)
Q6. Which movement turns the palm upward when the forearm is rotated?
- Pronation
- Supination
- Inversion
- Plantarflexion
Correct Answer: Supination
Q7. Which articulation is an example of a cartilaginous joint?
- Intervertebral disc (body-to-body)
- Temporomandibular joint
- Interphalangeal joint
- Acromioclavicular joint
Correct Answer: Intervertebral disc (body-to-body)
Q8. Which term describes movement away from the midline of the body?
- Adduction
- Abduction
- Extension
- Rotation
Correct Answer: Abduction
Q9. A joint that permits movement in two planes is described as:
- Uniaxial
- Biaxial
- Multiaxial
- Amphiarthrotic
Correct Answer: Biaxial
Q10. Which synovial joint type is exemplified by the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb?
- Plane joint
- Saddle joint
- Pivot joint
- Hinge joint
Correct Answer: Saddle joint
Q11. Which component of a synovial joint provides a smooth, low-friction surface and absorbs shock?
- Synovial membrane
- Articular cartilage (hyaline)
- Fibrous capsule
- Ligament
Correct Answer: Articular cartilage (hyaline)
Q12. Circumduction combines which basic movements?
- Flexion and extension only
- Abduction and adduction only
- Flexion, extension, abduction and adduction
- Rotation and pronation only
Correct Answer: Flexion, extension, abduction and adduction
Q13. Which pathology is characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage and often treated with NSAIDs and physiotherapy?
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Septic arthritis
Correct Answer: Osteoarthritis
Q14. Which ligament type primarily resists anterior translation of the tibia at the knee?
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Correct Answer: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Q15. Pronation of the foot refers to which combined movements?
- Dorsiflexion and inversion
- Plantarflexion and eversion
- Dorsiflexion and eversion
- Plantarflexion and inversion
Correct Answer: Plantarflexion and eversion
Q16. Which synovial joint type allows gliding movements between relatively flat surfaces?
- Plane (gliding) joint
- Hinge joint
- Condyloid joint
- Ball-and-socket joint
Correct Answer: Plane (gliding) joint
Q17. Which movement increases the angle between the dorsum of the foot and the anterior leg?
- Plantarflexion
- Dorsiflexion
- Inversion
- Eversion
Correct Answer: Dorsiflexion
Q18. The temporomandibular joint is a complex joint combining which primary movements?
- Only rotation
- Only gliding
- Rotation and gliding (translation)
- Abduction and adduction
Correct Answer: Rotation and gliding (translation)
Q19. Which classification describes joints that allow minimal movement and are often connected by fibrocartilage?
- Synarthrosis
- Diarthrosis
- Amphiarthrosis
- Syndesmosis
Correct Answer: Amphiarthrosis
Q20. Which medication class reduces inflammation in acute synovitis by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes?
- Antibiotics
- NSAIDs
- Antivirals
- Local anesthetics
Correct Answer: NSAIDs
Q21. Which term describes a joint that permits movement in multiple planes including rotation?
- Uniaxial
- Biaxial
- Multiaxial (triaxial)
- Synchondrotic
Correct Answer: Multiaxial (triaxial)
Q22. Which synovial joint type is the elbow (humeroulnar) primarily considered?
- Plane joint
- Pivot joint
- Hinge joint
- Saddle joint
Correct Answer: Hinge joint
Q23. Labrum and menisci serve primarily to:
- Secrete synovial fluid
- Increase joint stability and congruence
- Generate bone marrow cells
- Produce collagen systemically
Correct Answer: Increase joint stability and congruence
Q24. Which movement is performed by the biceps brachii at the elbow?
- Extension and pronation
- Flexion and supination
- Abduction and adduction
- Inversion and eversion
Correct Answer: Flexion and supination
Q25. In pharmacotherapy of osteoarthritis, which intra-articular agent is used to supplement synovial fluid viscosity?
- Hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation)
- Systemic corticosteroid
- Colchicine
- Antibiotic injection
Correct Answer: Hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation)
Q26. Which joint movement returns a body part toward the midline?
- Abduction
- Adduction
- Extension
- Supination
Correct Answer: Adduction
Q27. Which feature is NOT part of a typical synovial joint?
- Joint cavity
- Articular cartilage
- Synovial membrane
- Epiphyseal plate
Correct Answer: Epiphyseal plate
Q28. Which condition involves autoimmune inflammation of synovial membranes and may require DMARDs?
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Traumatic bursitis
Correct Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis
Q29. The atlantoaxial joint between C1 and C2 allows which principal movement?
- Lateral flexion
- Forward flexion only
- Rotation of the head (shaking head “no”)
- Elevation and depression
Correct Answer: Rotation of the head (shaking head “no”)
Q30. Which accessory structure reduces friction between tendon and bone at high-movement joints?
- Meniscus
- Bursa
- Epimysium
- Periosteum
Correct Answer: Bursa
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com