Which of the following joints is an example of a ball and socket joint?

The shoulder joint is a prime example of a ball and socket joint, which is characterized by a rounded head of one bone fitting into a cup-like socket of another bone, allowing for a wide range of movement in multiple directions. This structure is essential for the mobility and flexibility of the arm, enabling actions like lifting, rotating, and swinging.

Ball and socket joints facilitate circumduction, which is the ability to move the limb in a circular motion, thanks to their unique design. In the case of the shoulder, the humerus (the upper arm bone) fits into the glenoid cavity of the scapula (shoulder blade). This anatomical feature provides an extensive range of motion but can also predispose the joint to injuries and dislocations, making it both versatile and vulnerable.

Other types of joints listed, such as the elbow, knee, and wrist joints, have different structural designs that limit their movements compared to the ball and socket configuration. The elbow is a hinge joint, allowing flexion and extension in one plane, while the knee functions as a modified hinge joint, mainly permitting bending and straightening. The wrist joint is a complex series of bones allowing for limited rotation and flexion, but it does not have the spherical shape needed for ball