What type of joint is the elbow an example of?

The elbow is classified as a hinge joint, which is characterized by its structure that allows for movement primarily in one plane, similar to the action of a door hinge. This joint type permits flexion and extension, enabling the forearm to move closer to the upper arm and back again. The bones involved in this joint—the humerus, radius, and ulna—are structured in a way that limits motion to this bending and straightening movement, following the flexion and extension axis.

While ball-and-socket joints allow for a greater range of motion in multiple directions (like the shoulder and hip joints), hinge joints are specialized for back-and-forth movement. Pivot joints, found in areas like the neck and forearm, allow for rotational movement around a single axis. Fixed joints, which do not permit any movement, are present in areas like the skull. Thus, the elbow's ability to flex and extend distinctly identifies it as a hinge joint.