The ankle joint is classified as which type of joint?

The ankle joint is classified as a hinge joint primarily due to its functional characteristics and the type of movement it allows. Hinge joints permit movement primarily in one plane, similar to the action of a door hinge, allowing for flexion and extension. In the case of the ankle, this type of movement occurs when the foot is raised upward (dorsiflexion) or pointed downward (plantarflexion).

While the ankle does possess some features that allow for slight side-to-side motion and rotational movement, these movements are limited compared to the primary hinge-like movement. This classification highlights the predominant flexion and extension movements that occur at the ankle during walking, running, and other activities that involve the lower limbs. The structure of the joint, along with the articulating surfaces and ligaments that stabilize the ankle, align with the characteristics of a hinge joint rather than other types like ball and socket or pivot joints, which allow for a wider range of motion in different directions.