A hinge joint allows movement in only one direction.
Understanding Hinge Joints
Hinge joints are found in various parts of the body, including:
- Elbows
- Knees
- Fingers
- Toes
- Ankles
These joints function similarly to the hinge on a door, allowing for a back-and-forth motion along a single plane. They do not permit rotational movement or movement in multiple directions.
Examples of hinge joint movement include:
- Bending and straightening your elbow.
- Flexing and extending your knee.
- Closing and opening your fingers.
Several sources confirm this:
- "Hinge joints are found at the elbow and knee and they only allow movement in one direction or in only one plane." (Source)
- "Hinge joints allow movement in one direction, as seen in the knees and elbows." (Source)
- "Hinge joint – the two bones open and close in one direction only (along one plane)" (Source)
- "Hinge joints allow bones to move in one direction back and forth, much like the hinge on a door." (Source)