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Ball and Socket Joints

Ball and socket joints are an important type of freely movable joint. A ball and socket joint looks exactly like a ball fitting into a cup. It can move freely in all directions. This type of joint is located in the shoulder and the hip:

Shoulder

Shoulder

  • The ball and socket joint here is made up of the humerus (bone in the upper arm), scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collarbone).
  • Lets a person move their arm in all directions.
  • Can be used to perform a serve in tennis.
Hip

Hip

  • The ball and socket joint here are made up of the femur (thigh bone) and pelvis.
  • Lets a person move their leg in all directions.
  • Can be used to perform a lay-up in basketball.

Joint Movements

Joints can move in several different ways.

Flexion

Flexion

  • This is a movement where the angle of the joint decreases.
    • Flexion of the elbow = bending the elbow.
    • Flexion of the knee = bending the knee.
    • Flexion of the hip = raising your knee out in front of you.
    • Flexion of the shoulder = raising your arm out in front of you.
Extension

Extension

  • This is a movement where the angle of the joint increases.
    • Extension of the elbow = straightening the elbow.
    • Extension of the knee = straightening the knee.
    • Extension of the hip = pushing your heel back behind you.
    • Extension of the shoulder = pushing your arm back behind you.
Abduction

Abduction

  • This is the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body.
    • Abduction of the shoulder = raising your arm out to the side.
    • Abduction of the hip = raising your leg out to the side.
    • Abduction = take away.
Adduction

Adduction

  • This is the movement of a limb towards the midline of the body.
    • Adduction of the shoulder = bringing your arm down to your side.
    • Adduction of the hip = bringing your leg down towards your opposing leg.
Rotation

Rotation

  • This is turning a limb around its axis.
    • Rotation of the shoulder = forming a circular motion with the arm (as you would when performing a serve in tennis).
    • Rotation in the case of a ball and socket joint is known as circumduction.
Plantar flexion

Plantar flexion

  • Movement in the ankle that causes the toes to point towards the ground.
    • Plantar flexion = pointed toe.
Dorsiflexion

Dorsiflexion

  • Movement in the ankle that causes the toes to point upwards.
Jump to other topics
1

Applied Anatomy & Physiology

2

Movement Analysis

3

Physical Training

4

The Principles of Training

5

Using Data

6

Sports Psychology

7

Socio-cultural Influences

8

Health & Fitness

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