Which of the following is an example of a pivot joint?

A pivot joint is a type of synovial joint that allows for rotation around a single axis. The defining characteristic of a pivot joint is that one bone rotates within a ring formed by another bone and ligament.

The joint located between the first and second cervical vertebrae, known as the atlantoaxial joint, exemplifies a pivot joint. This joint allows for the rotation of the head from side to side. The structure of this joint, where the dens (odontoid process) of the axis (second cervical vertebra) fits into a ring formed by the atlas (first cervical vertebra) and the surrounding ligament, provides the necessary configuration for rotational movement.

In contrast, the other types of joints mentioned do not fit the description of a pivot joint. The elbow and knee are examples of hinge joints, allowing movement in one direction (flexion and extension), while the wrist contains several joints including condyloid and gliding joints, which permit a range of movements but do not allow for the rotational movement characteristic of pivot joints. The vertebrae, while they do allow some rotation among them, primarily function as a combination of other joint types and not specifically as pivot joints. Thus, the choice of vertebrae as an