The term "spheroid joint" refers to a type of joint found in the human body. The word is spelled with the letter combination "s-p-h-e-r-o-i-d," which can be broken down phonetically as /ˈsfɪərɔɪd/. This indicates that the first syllable has a long "e" sound and the second syllable has a strong "oi" sound. The word is pronounced like "SFEER-oyd," with the emphasis on the first syllable. This joint is found in the human body in locations such as the hip and shoulder, and its shape resembles a flattened sphere.
A spheroid joint, also known as a ball-and-socket joint, is a type of articulation in the human skeletal system that allows for extensive mobility and range of motion. It is formed by the articulation of a rounded, convex surface with a concave surface - typically characterized by a rounded ball-like structure fitting into a socket-like cavity.
The ball-shaped end of one bone fits into the cup-like socket of another bone, creating a three-dimensional structure that resembles a sphere. The design of this joint allows for movement in multiple directions, including flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, and rotation. This structural arrangement enables the joint to support a wide range of movements throughout the body, providing stability, strength, and flexibility.
Examples of spheroid joints in the human body include the hip and shoulder joints. The hip joint consists of the femur (thigh bone) fitting into the acetabulum (socket in the pelvis), while the shoulder joint is composed of the humerus (upper arm bone) connecting to the glenoid cavity of the scapula (shoulder blade).
The spheroid joint is considered one of the most mobile and versatile types of joints in the body, facilitating smooth and coordinated movements required for daily activities and physical performance. Its structure and function make it crucial for tasks involving reaching, throwing, grasping, and weight-bearing, among others.
A multiaxial j. with more or less spherical surfaces; the gliding j. and the ball-and-socket j. are both of this class.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "spheroid" is derived from the Greek word "sphaira" meaning "a ball" or "sphere". The term "spheroid joint" combines "spheroid" with "joint", which refers to the area where two or more bones come together. In anatomy, a spheroid joint is a type of ball-and-socket joint, characterized by a rounded end of one bone fitting into a cup-like depression of another bone, allowing for a wide range of motion.