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Multiple Choice
Which of the following joints is classified as a multiaxial joint?
A
Elbow joint
B
Shoulder joint
C
Interphalangeal joint
D
Knee joint
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the classification of joints based on their range of motion. Joints can be classified as uniaxial, biaxial, or multiaxial depending on the number of axes around which they allow movement.
Review the characteristics of a multiaxial joint. Multiaxial joints allow movement in multiple planes, such as flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and rotation. These joints are typically ball-and-socket joints.
Examine the anatomy of the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) is a ball-and-socket joint, which allows movement in three planes: sagittal, frontal, and transverse. This makes it a multiaxial joint.
Compare the shoulder joint to the other options provided: The elbow joint and interphalangeal joints are uniaxial, allowing movement primarily in one plane (flexion and extension). The knee joint is biaxial, allowing movement in two planes (flexion/extension and slight rotation).
Conclude that the shoulder joint is the correct answer because it is the only joint among the options that is classified as multiaxial due to its ball-and-socket structure and ability to move in multiple planes.