What is a ball and socket joint?

Answer by  NoIraqWar (16)

A ball and socket joint is one of the types of joints in the body; it allows the joint to rotate freely (rather than for example a hinge joint that only lets it bend in one direction). The shoulder is an example (the arm can swing in a circle).

Answer by  Dot (54)

A ball and socket joint can also classified under the sinovial joints where the spherical head of one bone fits into a round socket of the other bone. This type of joints allow movement in all axes as well as rotation. The shoulder and hip are examples of a ball and socket joint.

Answer by  LauraLS (195)

A ball and socket joint is where one bone (such as the femur) moves within the confines of another bone (such as the pelvis). Examples of ball and socket joints are the hip and shoulder.

Answer by  jsmith (2067)

Ball and socket joints are the joints in your body where the ball-shaped head of one bone fits into a socket like concavity of another. The shoulder and hip joints are the two classic examples