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Hinge Joints: Definition, Types, Examples, FAQs

Author: Evelyn

Sep. 30, 2024

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Hinge Joints: Definition, Types, Examples, FAQs

Hinge Joint Definition

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Joints in the human body is where bones are connected. Human body consists of a variety of joints. Some joints have limited motion, like joints in vertebrates. Some joints have more movement than others, like the joints in toes and fingers. Such joints are known as hinge joints.

Hinge joints are classified into the category of synovial joints. A synovial joint is a kind of joint which is found between two bones that move against each other, like joints of limbs. For example, shoulder, hip, elbow and knee. Therefore, a hinge joint is defined as the joint between two bones that allows movement only in one plane. For instance, human fingers, toes, elbows, knees, and ankles contain hinge joints.

Implications of Hinge Joints

  • Unlike other joints, hinge joints permit movement across one plane.
  • Hinge joints allow straightening, bending and flexing of joints. For example, flexing of a finger or a toe.
  • The bones in hinge joints are covered with a protective cartilage and a thick fluid known as synovial fluid. This fluid helps in lubricating the bones, making them move without much friction.
  • All hinge joints include muscles, ligaments and other kinds of tissues that maintain the joint.
  • Hinge joints are considered more steady than ball-and-socket joints, such as hips and shoulder joints. But there is greater movement in ball-and-socket joints.
  • Unlike the movement in hinge joints, the movement in ball-and-socket joints is along more than one plane.
  • Even though hinge joints are considered stable, there are chances of dislocating them. The most commonly dislocated hinge joints occur in parts of hands and feet.
  • Performing regressive sport activities usually affect hinge joints. For example, runner&#;s knee.
  • By maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress, frequent movement and strengthening muscles around the joints, one can maintain a healthy hinge joint.

Types of Hinge Joints

  1. The Elbow: The elbow joint connects the upper part of the arm known as humerus, to the two bones in the lower part of the arm known as radius and ulna respectively. This is called the humeroulnar joint. The humeroulnar joint is situated between a notch in the ulna and a notch in the humerus.
  2. The Jaw: The jaw is a hinge joint that allows one to open and close their mouth. The jaw can also move from side to side. Although the jawbone is not a hinge joint, the jawbone moves as a result of the hinge joint.
  3. The Hand: The interphalangeal joints are the joints that all the fingers together. As human beings utilize hands for daily activities, it is considered to be the most important hinge joint. There are three sets of joints namely, metatarsophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints and distal interphalangeal joints.
  4. The Foot: Just like the hands, the feet also consist of three interphalangeal joints. They have two planters, tendons and other ligaments. Even though toes appear different than fingers, they show two similar movements namely flexion and extension.
  5. The Knee: The knee joint connects the thighs to the lower part of the leg. The knee joint is the largest joint in the human body and is different from the other hinge joints. It is different because it not only allows movement like flexion and extension, but also side-to-side movement.
  6. The Ankle: The ankle joint is called the talocrural region. This joint is responsible for the movement of feet and ankles. This joint permits side-to-side movement. The hinge joint of the ankle is made of three separate joints namely, talocrural joint, subtler joint and tibiofibular joint.

Conclusion

After learning the meaning of hinge joints, their importance and the types of hinge joints, one can see the significance of hinge joints in our body. The hinge joints are integral components of complex biomechanics of the human body. The hinge joints might undergo degradation of articular cartilage, which results in osteoarthritis, in joints of the knee, hand and feet. Aspects like stress, trauma, daily activities, weight, lifestyle and genes play a major role in forming osteoarthritis.

Frequently Asked Questions on Hinge joints

Q1

What movements do hinge joints permit?

The hinge joint movement is across one axis that permits for flexion and extension. While flexion is for bending, the extension is for straightening of a hinge joint.

Q2

Is the shoulder a hinge joint?

No, the shoulder is not a hinge joint but is a ball-and-socket joint.

Q3

What are the examples of hinge joints?

The hinge joint includes ankle, elbow, knee and interphalangeal joints.

Q4

>Why do hinge joints only bend in one direction?

Hinge joints bend only in one direction because of their form and this concept is explained as &#;form dictates function&#;.

To explore more information about hinge joint and other types of joints, register with BYJU&#;S Biology.

Hinge Joints - Diagram, Functions & Examples

Hinge joints are like hinges in a door. It allows bones to move one way or the other. They are found on the fingers, toes, elbow, knee and ankle. They have vital functions for the movement of the body. There are several muscles and tissues in these joints. Osteoarthritis or injuries can cause pain and problems in these joints.

Hinge Joint Definition

A hinge joint, sometimes referred to as a ginglymus, is a joint that permits one direction bone movement. Ankles, elbows, knees, fingers, & toes are examples of synovial joints that have hinge joints.

What are Hinge Joints?

The hinge joints are joints between convex and concave bone surfaces that allow bones to move one way or the other. When two or more bones connect and form a skeletal system, it is known as a joint. It allows the movement of body parts. Hinge joints are seen in the knees, arms, and shoulders, constituting an articular joint. They&#;re able to withstand compression and support heavy loads. Hinge joints of an elbow and jaw, allow to bend and straighten. They have protective cartilage and synovial fluid to lubricate and hold their muscles and tissues together. Hinge joints are solid and have a shorter range of motion as compared to ball and socket joints.

Example of Hinge Joint

The following are some examples of hinge joints:

  • The joint of the knee

  • The joint of the elbow

  • The joints in the fingers and toes

  • The hand and foot&#;s interphalangeal (IP) joints

  • The ankle&#;s tibiotalar joint

Diagram of Hinge Joint

The hinge joints are joints between convex and concave bone surfaces that allow bones to move one way or the other. The elbow is an example of the hinge joint. The following diagram helps to understand the structure of the hinge joint.

Location and Functions of the Hinge Joint

Hinge joints can be found on the fingers, toes, elbows, knees, and ankles and help perform various activities as stated below:

Location

Function

Elbow

Connects the upper arm to the lower arm, allowing the arm to bend and straighten.

Jaw

Allows to open and close mouth with a hinge-like movement.

Knee

Attaches thighs to legs, providing side-to-side movement.

Finger Joints

Connect fingers, allowing essential hand functions.

Toe joints


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Similar to finger joints, which facilitate movement of the feet.

Ankles

Help to move feet with side-to-side movement.

Features of Hinge Joints

Some of the important features of hinge joints are:

  1. It&#;s similar to a hinge on the lid.

  2. All movements are in one plane.

  3. Formed by fitting convex and concave bone surfaces.

  4. It is different from the ball and socket joints.

  5. It is stable, but also capable of dislocating.

  6. It can be maintained through a balanced diet, stress reduction, regular exercises, and muscle strengthening.

Possible Injuries of Hinge Joints

The hinge joints can be damaged by injury, such as osteoarthritis, dislocation, tissue damage, and injuries that lead to pain and inflammation. Sports activities may cause joint problems such as a runner&#;s knees.

How to Keep Hinge Joints Healthy?

The hinge joints can be maintained well by following certain practices like:

  1. Regular exercise.

  2. Minimize stress.

  3. Strengthen joint muscles.

  4. Maintain a healthy weight.

Conclusion &#; Hinge Joints

The hinge joints are like door hinges, they allow the bone to move in one direction or another. They can be found on the fingers, toes, elbows, knees, and ankles. It plays a crucial role in the movement of the body. In these joints, there are several muscles and tissues. Hinge joints have a protective layer of cartilage and synovial fluid to lubricate the muscles and tissues so that they stay together. Compared to ball and socket joints, hinge joints are solid and have a smaller range of motion. The hinge joints can be damaged by injury, such as osteoarthritis, dislocation, and tissue damage.

FAQs on Hinge Joints

1. What is a Hinge Joint?

The hinge joints are joints between convex and concave bone surfaces that allow bones to move one way or the other. These are found on the fingers, toes, elbows, knees, and ankles.

2. Is the elbow a hinge joint?

Yes, the elbow is a hinge joint.

3. What are 2 types of hinge joints?

Synovial and diarthrosis joints are the two types of hinge joints.

4. What type of joint is the knee?

The knee joint is an example of the hinge joint. It is found between femur and tibia.

5. Is the finger a hinge joint?

Yes, the finger joint is the example of hinge joint.



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