A holding device for human-medicine or veterinary-medicine applications having: a joint between a proximal holding segment and a distal holding segment； wherein one axially displaceable thrust element, in each case is arranged in the holding segments； wherein the joint has a tightening bolt, which defines the pivoting and tightening axis, and has deflection elements, by means of which a thrust force, acting relative to the axis, of the proximal thrust element is deflectable to lock the joint onto the tightening axis and to displace the distal thrust element； and wherein the deflection elements include at least one ramp system with a wedge body. A holding system including the specified holding device and a method for locking the joint of the specified holding device.
