Which type of joint allows for movement in one plane only?

Study for the NCSF Functional Anatomy Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam today!

A hinge joint is specifically designed to allow movement in one plane, primarily flexion and extension, much like the motion of a door opening and closing. This uniaxial movement is characteristic of hinge joints, making them distinct from other types of joints that permit a wider range of motion.

For example, a ball-and-socket joint allows for movement in multiple planes, including rotation, and is capable of flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction. A pivot joint also permits rotation but does so around a single axis rather than allowing movement in just one plane like a hinge. Gliding joints allow for limited movement between the flat surfaces of bones, enabling sliding or gliding motions rather than solely flexion and extension.

Thus, hinge joints are the correct answer because they uniquely facilitate movement solely in one plane, reflecting their structure and function in the body.

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