Which type of joint allows for rotational movement?

The type of joint that allows for rotational movement is the pivot joint. This joint configuration permits one bone to rotate around another, providing a range of motion that includes twisting and turning. An example of a pivot joint in the human body is the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae (the atlas and axis), which allows the head to rotate side to side.

In contrast, hinge joints, like those found in the knees and elbows, only allow movement in one direction, similar to the motion of a door opening and closing. Saddle joints, such as the thumb joint, enable a greater range of movement than hinge joints but still do not permit rotational motion. Ball-and-socket joints, found in the hips and shoulders, allow for rotational movements as well, but they also include a broader range of motions such as flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. These distinctions highlight why the pivot joint is specifically recognized for its ability to allow rotational movement.