Definition of ball-and-socket joint. 1 : a joint in which a ball moves within a socket so as to allow rotary motion in every direction within certain limits. 2 : an articulation (such as the hip joint) in which the rounded head of one bone fits into a cuplike cavity of the other and admits movement in any direction.
Furthermore, what does a ball and socket joint do?
Examples of this form of articulation are found in the hip, where the rounded head of the femur (ball) rests in the cup-like acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis, and in the glenohumeral joint of the shoulder, where the rounded head of the humerus (ball) rests in the cup-like glenoid fossa (socket) of the shoulder blade.
How would your knees move if they had ball and socket joints?
A ball and socket joint gives the greatest range of motion. 4. A hinge joint provides strength and stability but only allows movement in one swinging direction. If your knees, for example, were ball and socket joints, your lower legs would move all around but would not be stable enough to hold up your body.
What is the structure and function of the ball and socket joint?
The function of this kind of joint is to connect two bones, but to do so in such a way that the bones (or at least the bone that is the "ball") will be able to move in any direction whatsoever. This is because it is the "ball" in this ball and socket joint.