Question

Which type of movable joint makes the hip joint?

Answer 1

Hint: The hip joint is very similar to the shoulder joint in that the head of the long bone sits in the socket of another bone. The range of motion of these joints tends to be quite flexible and extensive.

Complete Answer:
- The hip joint is a typical ball and socket joint. It is also a synovial joint. Because the hip joint is located at the point of connection between the pelvic girdle (hip region) and the legs, it focuses more on weight bearing activity, rather than on having a great range of movement or articulation.
- Movement or articulation of the hip joint occurs between the head of the femur (thigh bone) and the pelvic acetabulum (the groove where the femur attaches). Both points are covered in a good layer of cartilage which helps decrease stress on the joint and allows smooth movement. Because this joint requires a lot of stability, there are several ligaments responsible for holding the joint in place.
- Muscles responsible for our balance upright on to legs as well as forward movement attach around and to this joint, for example the gluteus muscles.
- The hip joint is also known as a synovial joint; the reason for this is that the bones of the joint are covered with cartilage for smooth articulation. Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body.
- Other joints include hinge joints like the elbow, pivot joints like between the atlas and axis vertebrae allowing our heads to turn from side to side, and gliding joints like in the wrist and the ankles.

Note: Ball and socket joints like the hip and shoulder allow for a greater range of motion in general than other types of joints. Even though the hip joint is primarily for weight bearing activity, it can rotate to quite an extent.