Question

What is the difference between the pivotal joint and the ball and socket joint?

Answer 1

Pivotal Joint:

1. Pivot joints are joints that allow bones to rotate around a single axis.
2. A pivot joint allows for one-dimensional movement of the bones, such as rotation around a single axis.

Ball socket joint:

1. It is a synovial joint that moves freely in the socket.
2. In terms of movement, the ball and socket joints are considered the most flexible joint in comparison to the other joints of the body.

Sl. No.	Pivotal Joint	Ball and socket joint
1	The pivot joint is slightly movable.	The ball and socket joint is freely movable.
2	Pivotal joints have restricted movement.	The joints move in all directions like rotation, extension, and folding.
3	In this kind of joint, one bone is moved and another bone is fixed. The fixed bone acts as a pivot.	In this type of joint, the ball-like head of one bone lies inside the socket of the other bone.
4	A pivot joint allows for one-dimensional movement of the bones, such as rotation around a single axis.	In terms of movement, the ball and socket joints are considered the most flexible joints in comparison to the other joints of the body.
5	Without pivot joints, the physical body's skeleton would lack flexibility and freedom of movement.	The ball and socket joint is one of the most important joints in the body, and it plays a fundamental part in how the body functions.
6	The wrist joint, which allows the palm of the hand to move up and down, is made possible by pivot joints in the physical body.	Pectoral and pelvic girdle joints are the ball and socket joints.