Question

The joint where our neck joins the head is called a _____
(a) Hinge joint
(b) Pivot joint
(c) Both A and B
(d) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Both hinge joints and pivot joints are synovial joints.
A pivot joint enables rotation in the body. The rotation can be internal or external.

Complete Answer:
A hinge joint is a joint of bones that permits motion in only one dimension. A hinge joint only permits one dimensional motion as the articulated surfaces of the joint are fused together in a manner that only allows one dimensional motion. The direction of the distal bone in a hinge joint is almost never the same as the axis of the proximal bone. The distal and the proximal bone are rarely in the same plane. This causes a certain deviation from the line of flexion of the body.
A pivot joint is a bone joint wherein the axis of the convex articulated surface and the longitudinal axis of the bone of the joint are parallel with each other. A pivot joint also has one degree of freedom. The pivot joint is the joint present at the area where the neck joins the head.

Hence, the correct answer is (b) Pivot joint

Note:
Hinge joints are said to be uniaxial joints. An uniaxial joint is a joint that has only one degree of freedom.
The degree of freedom of a joint does not denote the range of motion of that joint.
The articulated area between the distal bone and the proximal bone are connected by strong collateral ligaments.