Which type of joint allows for the greatest range of movement in the human body?

• A. Hinge joint
• B. Pivot joint
• C. Suture joint
• D. Ball-and-socket joint

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the types of joints in the human body: Joints are classified based on their structure and function. The main types include hinge joints, pivot joints, suture joints, and ball-and-socket joints.
2. Review the hinge joint: Hinge joints, such as the elbow and knee, allow movement in one plane, like opening and closing a door. This limits their range of motion to flexion and extension.
3. Examine the pivot joint: Pivot joints, such as the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae (atlas and axis), allow rotational movement around a single axis. This provides a moderate range of motion but is not the greatest.
4. Understand the suture joint: Suture joints are immovable joints found in the skull. They are designed for stability rather than movement, so they do not contribute to a range of motion.
5. Analyze the ball-and-socket joint: Ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder and hip joints, allow movement in multiple planes, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, and circumduction. This type of joint provides the greatest range of movement in the human body.