The joint between the femur and tibia is known as ________?

Analyze the question: The femur (thigh bone) meets the tibia (shin bone) at the knee. You need to name the type of synovial joint the knee is.

Explain the concept: Synovial joints are classified by the movement they allow:

• Hinge joint: moves in one plane only (bending and straightening), like a door hinge. Examples: knee, elbow, ankle (and the finger joints).
• Ball-and-socket joint: allows movement in all directions, including rotation. Examples: shoulder, hip.
• Pivot joint: allows rotation around an axis. Example: the joint between the atlas and axis at the neck, which lets you shake your head "no".
• Gliding joint: bones slide over one another. Examples: wrist (carpals) and ankle (tarsals), and between vertebrae.

Solution:

1. The femur and tibia meet at the knee joint.
2. The knee mainly allows flexion (bending) and extension (straightening) in one plane, so it works like a door hinge.
3. It does not allow free rotation in all directions like the hip, so it is not a ball-and-socket joint.
4. It is also not a pivot joint or a gliding joint.

So the knee is a hinge joint.

Answer: A. hinge joint

Tip: Remember "Knee and Elbow = hinge" (think "KE" like a door key on a hinge). Likewise, "Hip and Shoulder = ball-and-socket" (HS). These pairs appear often in JAMB and WASSCE.