What are the main types of joints found in the human body?

The main types of joints found in the human body encompass hinge joints, ball-and-socket joints, pivot joints, and saddle joints, which collectively allow for a wide range of movements.

Hinge joints, such as the knees and elbows, permit motion in one direction, primarily flexion and extension. Ball-and-socket joints, like the shoulders and hips, enable rotational movement as well as a full range of motion in multiple directions. Pivot joints, found in the neck between the first and second vertebrae, allow for rotational movement around a single axis. Lastly, saddle joints, such as those found in the thumbs, allow for movements such as opposition and give a unique range of motion not found in other joint types.

Including these four types captures the complexity of human movement and articulates how various joints contribute to overall mobility, flexibility, and stability in the body. The other choices do not encompass the full range of joint types and therefore do not provide a complete overview of how human joints function.