The word "pivot joint" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of /ˈpɪvət dʒɔɪnt/. The word derives from the Middle French word "pivot", meaning "a person or thing upon which something turns". The spelling of the word indicates the two distinct syllables, with the primary stress on the first syllable, and an unstressed second syllable. The consonant cluster "tv" is blended into a single sound, "v", which is followed by the "o" sound in "joint". The word "pivot joint" refers to a type of synovial joint in the human body that allows for rotational movement.
A pivot joint, also known as a rotary joint or a trochoid joint, is a type of synovial joint that allows rotation or pivoting movement of bones around a central axis. It is a specialized joint that enables bones to rotate relative to one another with limited or restricted movement in other directions. This type of joint is essential for facilitating movements like turning the head, rotating the forearm, or twisting the ankle.
Pivot joints consist of a cylindrical or conical bone end that rotates within a ring or notch of another bone. The cylindrical bone, known as the pivot bone or the axis, typically rests in a hollow space of the other bone called the pivot socket. The joint is stabilized by ligaments, connective tissues, and muscles that surround and support it, ensuring proper alignment and movement.
The primary function of pivot joints is to allow rotation around a single axis, providing a wide range of motion in one plane while restricting movement in other directions. This unique design allows for smooth and controlled turning or twisting movements, such as turning the head from side to side. Examples of pivot joints in the human body include the joint between the atlas (the first cervical vertebra) and the axis (the second cervical vertebra) in the neck, and the joint between the radius and ulna bones in the forearm.
• Trochoid j., rotary j.
• Articulatio trochoidea.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pivot" comes from the Old French word "pivart" or "piver", which means "pin or pivot". It ultimately has its roots in the Latin word "pivus", meaning "point" or "peg".
The term "joint" originates from the Old French word "joint" or "jointe", which is derived from the Latin word "junctus", meaning "joined" or "connected".
Therefore, the etymology of the term "pivot joint" can be traced back to Latin and Old French, where "pivot" refers to a pin or point while "joint" denotes a connection or joining of two parts.