Which joint is an example of a hinge joint?

Which joint is an example of a hinge joint?

• A. Ball-and-socket joint
• B. Pivot joint
• C. Hinge joint
• D. Plane joint

Answer: (C)

A hinge joint allows movement in one plane, bending and straightening like a door on its hinge. This type of joint is uniaxial, meaning it has a single axis of rotation, so you can flex or extend a limb but not rotate it much. Classic examples are the elbow and knee, where the forearm or lower leg swings toward and away from the body. This fits the concept because it contrasts with other joints that move in multiple directions or differently: ball-and-socket joints allow movement in many directions and rotation (like the shoulder or hip), pivot joints rotate around a single axis (like turning the head), and plane joints involve gliding movements between small surfaces. So the hinge joint is the one specialized for bending and straightening in one plane.

A hinge joint allows movement in one plane, bending and straightening like a door on its hinge. This type of joint is uniaxial, meaning it has a single axis of rotation, so you can flex or extend a limb but not rotate it much. Classic examples are the elbow and knee, where the forearm or lower leg swings toward and away from the body.

This fits the concept because it contrasts with other joints that move in multiple directions or differently: ball-and-socket joints allow movement in many directions and rotation (like the shoulder or hip), pivot joints rotate around a single axis (like turning the head), and plane joints involve gliding movements between small surfaces. So the hinge joint is the one specialized for bending and straightening in one plane.