Pivot joints are joints that allow which primary movement?

• A. Hinge joints
• B. Pivot joints
• C. Ball and socket joints
• D. Gliding joints

Answer: (B)

Pivot joints enable rotation around a single axis. This type of synovial joint allows one bone to rotate relative to another, giving turning or twisting movement. Examples include the joint that lets you turn your head side to side and the joint that lets you rotate the forearm to pronate and supinate. Other joint types perform different primary movements: hinge joints move mainly by bending and straightening in one plane; ball-and-socket joints allow rotation plus movements in multiple directions; gliding joints provide small sliding movements between bones. So the key movement associated with pivot joints is rotational motion around a single axis.