Which of these statements about the hip joint is false?

• A. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket synovial joint.
• B. The hip joint is less stable than the shoulder joint.
• C. The acetabulum of the pelvis articulates with the head of the femur.
• D. The hip joint allows for flexion, extension, abduction, and rotation.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the anatomy of the hip joint: The hip joint is a ball-and-socket synovial joint formed by the articulation of the head of the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis. This structure allows for a wide range of motion, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.
2. Compare the stability of the hip joint to the shoulder joint: The hip joint is more stable than the shoulder joint due to its deeper socket (the acetabulum) and the strong ligaments and muscles that surround it. The shoulder joint, while more mobile, is less stable because of its shallower socket (the glenoid cavity).
3. Evaluate the statement 'The hip joint is less stable than the shoulder joint': Based on anatomical knowledge, this statement is false because the hip joint is more stable than the shoulder joint.
4. Review the other statements: The hip joint is indeed a ball-and-socket synovial joint, the acetabulum articulates with the head of the femur, and the joint allows for movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, and rotation. These statements are true.
5. Conclude that the false statement is 'The hip joint is less stable than the shoulder joint,' as it contradicts the anatomical characteristics of the hip joint.