Hinge Joint

Hinge Joint: A hinge joint (also called a ginglymus joint) is a synovial joint in which the articular surfaces fit one another in a way that is analogous to the hinge of a door. Generally, these joints permit motion in one plane. Examples include the elbow, the knee (unless considered a condyloid joint), and the interphalangeal joints.

• Note: These joints primarily allow movement in one plane of motion , and usually the sagittal plane. These motions can be described as flexion and extension .

For more information on synovial joint types (including a video lecture), check out:

• Lesson 4: Synovial Joints
  

Examples of Hinge Joints of the Human Body:

Here is a list of the joints in the human body that are classified as "hinge joints":

1. Elbow Joint (Humeroulnar Joint): Articulation between the humerus and ulna.
2. Knee Joint (Tibiofemoral Joint) : Articulation between the femur and tibia.
3. Ankle Joint (Talocrural Joint) : Articulation between the tibia, fibula, and talus.
4. Interphalangeal Joints (Fingers and Toes): Articulations between the phalanges in both the fingers and toes. This includes: proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints, and interphalangeal joint of the thumb
5. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): Articulation between the mandible (lower jawbone) and the temporal bone of the skull

All Synovial Joint Types:

• Ball-and-socket Joint
• Hinge Joint
• Gliding Joint
• Condyloid Joint
• Pivot Joint
• Saddle Joint