ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Glenohumeral Joint?

1. It is a ball and socket joint

2. It allows for a wide range of motion

3. It consists of the Glenoid Fossa and Humeral head

4. It is a hinge joint

The correct answer is: It is a hinge joint

The Glenohumeral joint is commonly known as the shoulder joint, and its primary characteristic is that it is a ball-and-socket joint. This design allows for a significant range of motion in multiple directions, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. The joint is formed by the articulation of the glenoid fossa of the scapula and the head of the humerus, which contributes to its stable yet mobile structure. This anatomical configuration is specifically suited for a variety of movements, making the shoulder joint unique when compared to hinge joints, which primarily allow movement in one plane (like bending and straightening at the elbow). In this context, identifying that the Glenohumeral joint is a hinge joint is incorrect because hinge joints do not possess the same level of multidirectional movement capabilities as ball-and-socket joints. Therefore, recognizing the Glenohumeral joint's true nature as a ball-and-socket joint highlights its ability to facilitate a broad range of motion, aligning with its anatomical structures.