Question

The head can be turned from side to side because of the

• A. hinge joint
• B. ball and socket joint
• C. pivot joint
• D. angular joint

Answer 1

The correct option is C pivot joint

Pivot joint: The pivot joint is a type of synovial joint. Articular surfaces comprise of – a central bony pivot – surrounded by osteoligamentous ring. Movement is permitted in one plane around vertical axis. The types of movement possible are rotation, pronation, supination, e.g., radioulnar joint, median atlantoaxial joint (between the atlas and the odontoid process of axis).

Hinge joint: Movements are permitted in one plane around transverse axis, e.g., elbow joint, ankle joint, intephalangeal joint.

Ball and socket joint: It is located between humerus and pectoral girdle. The glenohumeral joint is the articulation between the head of the humerus and the glenoid cavity of the scapula. It is a ball and socket type of synovial joint.

Angular joint: During angular motion, the angle between joints is either increased or decreased. This type of joint is found in between the metacarpal and phalange.