Which type of joint allows for movement in only one plane, like a door hinge?

The hinge joint is specifically designed to allow movement in one plane, much like the motion of a door swinging on its hinges. This type of joint permits flexion and extension, enabling the connected bones to move toward or away from each other in a linear manner, similar to how a door opens and closes. Examples of hinge joints in the human body include the elbow and the knee, which demonstrate this one-dimensional range of motion.

In contrast, other types of joints provide different ranges of motion. For instance, ball and socket joints allow for rotational movement as well as movement in multiple planes, seen in the shoulder and hip joints. Pivot joints provide rotational movement around a single axis, as evidenced by the connection between the skull and the first vertebra. Gliding joints, on the other hand, allow for limited sliding movements between flat surfaces, facilitating movements such as the slides between the carpal bones in the wrist. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the hinge joint is the correct choice for movement restricted to a single plane.