Identifying Types of Joints (AQA GCSE Physical Education (PE))

Types of Freely Movable Joints

• The range of movement different joints can carry out depends on the type of joint

• A hinge joint is a joint that allows movement mostly in one direction in an 'open and closed' motion - just like a hinge

  • This type of motion is called flexion and extension

• Some examples of hinge joints are: elbows, knees and ankles

Hinge joint diagram

The elbow is an example of a hinge joint

• A ball and socket joint is a joint that allows movement in many different directions because it can rotate backwards, forwards and sideways

  • These types of motion can be described as abduction, adduction and rotation

• Some examples of ball and socket joints are: the hip and shoulder joints

Ball and socket joint diagram

The shoulder is an example of a ball and socket joint