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Multiple Choice
What type of joint is the ankle (talocrural) joint?
A
Saddle joint
B
Pivot joint
C
Hinge joint
D
Ball-and-socket joint
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the classification of synovial joints, which are categorized based on their structure and the type of movement they allow. The main types include hinge, ball-and-socket, pivot, saddle, condyloid, and plane joints.
Step 2: Recall the definition of a hinge joint. Hinge joints allow movement primarily in one plane, similar to the motion of a door hinge. This includes flexion and extension movements.
Step 3: Examine the anatomy of the ankle (talocrural) joint. It is formed by the articulation of the tibia and fibula with the talus bone. The structure of this joint allows for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, which are movements in a single plane.
Step 4: Compare the ankle joint's movement and structure to other types of synovial joints. For example, ball-and-socket joints allow movement in multiple planes (e.g., shoulder joint), while pivot joints allow rotational movement (e.g., atlantoaxial joint). The ankle joint does not fit these descriptions.
Step 5: Conclude that the ankle (talocrural) joint is classified as a hinge joint because its structure and function align with the characteristics of hinge joints, allowing movement in one plane (flexion and extension).