Ball-and-socket joints allow movement in how many planes?

Ball-and-socket joints allow movement in how many planes?

• A. One plane
• B. Two planes
• C. Three planes
• D. No movement

Answer: (C)

Ball-and-socket joints are multiaxial, meaning movement can occur around three different axes, which corresponds to three planes of movement. Flexion and extension happen in the sagittal plane, abduction and adduction occur in the frontal (coronal) plane, and rotation occurs in the transverse plane. These joints can combine movements across all three planes (as in circumduction), so they are capable of moving in three planes. This is why joints like the shoulder and hip are described as highly mobile.

Ball-and-socket joints are multiaxial, meaning movement can occur around three different axes, which corresponds to three planes of movement. Flexion and extension happen in the sagittal plane, abduction and adduction occur in the frontal (coronal) plane, and rotation occurs in the transverse plane. These joints can combine movements across all three planes (as in circumduction), so they are capable of moving in three planes. This is why joints like the shoulder and hip are described as highly mobile.