
What is the function of the ball and socket joint?
They include:
- Ball and socket joints - a ball in a deep pocket like bone
- Condyloid - moves on two axes
- Gliding joint - moves in all directions with limited mobility
- Hinge joint - bends over a single axis
- Pivot joint - rotates on a single axis
- Saddle joint - movement on multiple axes with limited mobility
What bones are in the ball and socket joint?
The hip joint is another example of ball & socket joint, where the head of the femur (ball) fits into a cup-like cavity known as acetabulum (socket) in the hip bone. This joint is provided extra stability by the strong musculature and ligaments surrounding it. Moreover, the acetabulum is a much deeper cavity as compared to the glenoid fossa of the shoulder joint, adding to the stability of the joint, while at the same time, limiting some movement. Picture 3: Hip joint
Is a ball and socket a synovial joint?
What is a ball and socket joint? A ball and socket joint is a type of synovial joint, such as the hip and shoulder joints. In this type of joint, one bone has a smooth, ball-shaped head that fits into a cuplike socket on the other end.
What type of movement is a ball and socket joint?
Ball and socket joints also allow flexion and extension. Ball and socket joints also allow types of movement called abduction, adduction, rotation and circumduction. The table summarises the body locations and types of movements associated with each type of joint.

How does ball and socket joint function?
The ball and socket joint allows for a great range of motion. They can move in any direction and rotate with the help of the muscles, tendons, and...
How does the ball and socket move?
The socket maintains a stable position and the ball moves inside of it. The ball can move in any direction, as well as rotate.
What are examples of ball and socket joints?
In the human body there are four ball and socket joints. These include the right shoulder, left shoulder, right hip, and left hip.
What is a ball and socket joint?
Ball and socket joints, also known as spheroidal joints are defined as joints, which are composed of a ball-like rounded structure of one bone that moves freely within a socket-like depression in another bone.
What are the three possible motions of ball and socket joints?
Thus, they need more musculature around them to ensure stability. These joints allow for movement in three different planes. The possible movements include flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, rotation, and circumduction.
What are the factors that limit movement of a joint?
Factors limiting the movement include the depth of the socket and presence of cartilaginous labrum around the joint.
What is the term for joints that allow full range of motion?
Joints can be classified in numerous ways. Depending on the possible range of movement, they are classified as: Diarthrosis, also known as synovial joints allow for full range of motion due to their structure and presence of a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid.
Which joint is the spherical head of the humerus?
Shoulder Joint. In the shoulder joint, or more accurately the glenohumeral joint, the spherical head of the humerus (ball) fits into the depression of the glenoid fossa (socket) of the scapula bone. Although the glenoid fossa is much shallower than a proper cup-like socket, the joint is reinforced by a cartilaginous labrum around the joint.
What is a joint in anatomy?
Introduction to Joints. A joint is a point where two or more bones of the skeleton meet. The joints hold the skeletal framework together and aid in movement. Joints can be classified in numerous ways.
What is the acetabulum cavity?
Moreover, the acetabulum is a much deeper cavity as compared to the glenoid fossa of the shoulder joint, adding to the stability of the joint, while at the same time, limiting some movement. Picture 3: Hip joint.
What is the ball and socket joint?
Ball & Socket Joint. Ball-and-socket joints are a special class of synovial joints that enjoy the highest freedom of motion in the body thanks to their unique structure. The shoulder and hip joints are the only ball-and-socket joints in the human body due to the need for great motion at the end of the body’s limbs and the vast amount ...
What are the components of a ball and socket joint?
Two main components make up a ball-and-socket joint: a bone with a spherical head and a bone with a cup-like socket. Continue Scrolling To Read More Below...
Why is the acetabulum considered a multiaxial joint?
Ball-and-socket joints are classified functionally as multiaxial joints because they can move bones along several axes.
What bone is the head of the femur?
In the hip joint the rounded, almost spherical head of the femur (thigh bone) fits tightly into the acetabulum, a deep socket in the os coxa (hip bone). Many tough ligaments and the powerful hip muscles hold the head of the femur in place and resist some of the most powerful strains in the body. The depth of the acetabulum also prevents ...
Which joint moves in a circle?
The humerus and femur can also move around the joint in a full circle (circumduction) as well as rotate both medially and laterally around their axis. Other parts of the body, such as the wrist and ankles, require at least two separate joints working together to achieve all of the movements of the ball-and-socket joints.
Which joint is stronger, the shoulder or the hip?
The hip joint is somewhat less mobile than the shoulder, but is an overall stronger and more stable joint. The added stability of the hip joint is necessary to bear the weight of the body resting on the legs while performing actions such as standing, walking, and running.
What is the glenoid cavity of the shoulder?
The glenoid cavity is a small and shallow cavity that permits the shoulder joint the greatest range of motion in the human body. A hyaline cartilage ring called the labrum surrounds the glenoid cavity to provide a flexible reinforcement to the joint, while muscles of the rotator cuff hold the humerus in place within the cavity.
