Hinge Joint: Definition, Types, Examples, FAQs, Movement

What Is a Hinge Joint?

The hinge joint holds paramount importance in the human skeleton. It enables a special kind of movement used in our everyday routines and activities. Instead of ball and socket joint movement, which allows movement in multiple directions, the hinge joint moves on a single plane or two-directional movement backwards and forward.

Structure of Hinge Joints

These structure of hinge joint includes:

Articular Surfaces

• A convex surface of one bone

• Fits into the concave surface of another.

Articular Capsule

• Envelops the joint

• Contains synovial fluid to lubricate.

Ligaments

• Join bones together

• Prevent excess movement of the joint.

Movements of Hinge Joints:

Hinge joints allow motion in the following manner:

• Flexion: Decrease in the angle between the bones

• Extension: Increase in the angle between the bones

These types of movement are involved in vital activities like walking, holding, and bending limbs.

Types of Hinge Joints

The examples of hinge joints are:

Elbow Joint

• Occurs between the humerus, radius, and ulna.

• Allows flexion and extension of forearm

Knee Joint

• The articulation between the femur, tibia, and patella.

• Largest hinge joint

• Allows limited side-to-side movement along with flexion and extension

Ankle Joint

• The joint between the tibia, fibula, and talus.

• Also called talocrural joint

• Helps in walking and stability

Interphalangeal Joints (Hand & Foot)

• Fingers: Proximal & distal interphalangeal joints

• Toes: Permit flexion and extension

• Essential for fine motor control and balance

Jaw (Functional Hinge)

• Not a pure hinge joint

• Allows opening and closing of mouth

• Also permits limited side-to-side movement

Difference Between Hinge Joint and Ball and Socket Joint

Both ball and socket joint and hinge joint are synovial joints but they differ in the structure and movement. The differences between the two joints are:

Common Disorders and Injuries of Hinge Joints

The common disorders include:-

Osteoarthritis

Degeneration of cartilage leading to joint pain and stiffness.

Sprains and Strains

Injuries to ligaments and tendons surrounding the hinge joints.

Dislocations

Occasional displacement caused due to trauma or high stress.

Hinge Joint NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:

• Structure of hinge joint

• Examples of hinge joint in human

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Assertion (A): The knee joint belongs to the category of hinge joints.

Reason (R): The femur, patella, and fibula are associated with the knee joint.

1. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) correctly explains (A).

2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) does not correctly explain (A).

3. (A) is true, but (R) is false.

4. Both (A) and (R) are false.

Correct answer: 3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.

Explanation:

Assertion (A) correctly states that the knee joint belongs to the category of hinge joints. Hinge joints are characterized by their ability to allow movement primarily in one direction. The knee joint specifically allows flexion and extension movements similar to the opening and closing of a door.

However, the reason (R) stating that the femur, patella, and fibula are associated with the knee joint is incorrect. While the femur is indeed connected to the knee joint, the patella (kneecap) and fibula are not directly involved in the structure or functioning of the knee joint. The patella is a sesamoid bone that lies in front of the knee joint and acts as a protector and improves mechanical advantage for knee extension. The fibula is a bone located in the lower leg but does not directly participate in the knee joint itself.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.

Q2. The elbow joint is an example of:

1. Hinge Joint

2. Gliding Joint

3. Ball and socket Joint

4. Pivot Joint

Correct answer: 1) Hinge Joint

Explanation:

One type of synovial joint, also referred to as a freely moving joint, is the hinge joint. The elbow and knee both have hinge joints. The pivot joint is located between the atlas and axis, the gliding joint is located between the carpals and the ball and socket joint is located between the shoulder and hips.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) Hinge joint.

Q3. Match the following columns

1. A-3, B-4,C-2, D-1

2. A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2

3. A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

4. A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

Correct answer: 1) A-3, B-4,C-2, D-1

Explanation:

• Hinge Joint: The convex surface of one bone articulates with the concave surface of another. Up-and-down motion in one plane is possible. Examples: the elbow and knee joints.

• Ball-and-socket joint: The ball-shaped head of one bone fits into the cup-shaped socket of another. Movement in all planes, as well as rotation, is possible. Examples: the shoulder and hip joints.

• Saddle joint: Each bone is saddle-shaped and fits into the complementary regions of the other. A variety of movements are possible. Example: the joint between the carpal and metacarpal bones of the thumb.

• Pivot joint: A small, cylindrical projection of one bone pivots within the ring formed of bone and ligament of another bone. Only rotation is possible. Examples: the joint between the proximal ends of the radius and ulna, and the joint between the atlas and axis.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) A-3, B-4,C-2, D-1.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Types of Synovial Joints

• Ribs and Rib Cage

• 5 major functions of the skeletal system