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Multiple Choice
Which type of joint is the hip joint, and what types of movements does it allow?
A
Saddle joint; allows movement in two planes but not rotation.
B
Pivot joint; allows rotational movement around a single axis.
C
Hinge joint; allows only flexion and extension.
D
Ball-and-socket joint; allows movement in multiple directions including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, and circumduction.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by identifying the type of joint being discussed. The hip joint is anatomically classified as a ball-and-socket joint, which is a type of synovial joint.
Step 2: Understand the structure of a ball-and-socket joint. It consists of a spherical head (the femoral head in the hip joint) that fits into a cup-like socket (the acetabulum of the pelvis). This design allows for a wide range of motion.
Step 3: Review the types of movements allowed by ball-and-socket joints. These include flexion (decreasing the angle between two bones), extension (increasing the angle), abduction (moving a limb away from the midline), adduction (moving a limb toward the midline), rotation (turning a bone around its axis), and circumduction (a circular movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction).
Step 4: Compare the hip joint to other types of joints mentioned in the problem. For example, hinge joints (like the elbow) allow only flexion and extension, while pivot joints (like the atlantoaxial joint in the neck) allow rotational movement around a single axis. Saddle joints (like the thumb joint) allow movement in two planes but not rotation.
Step 5: Conclude that the hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, which provides the most extensive range of motion among all joint types, making it essential for activities like walking, running, and dancing.