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Hinge joints are called so because they mimic a hinge, which is a mechanism on which something swings, limited to two directions, either back and forward or side to side. Think of a hinge on a door. It allows the door to open and close based on that one hinge. Door hinges do not allow the door to pivot or move in any direction besides open/close or front/back. Hinge joints do the same, such as the elbow and knee, which can only move forward and back.
Hinge joints are called that because they open and close like any hinge. If you look for one in the home and open and close it, you will see what is meant by a hinge joint. This joint allows movement in one plane only. The ankle and the knee are good examples. The knee is considered the largest one in the body.

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10y ago
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11y ago

Because the knee and elbow only flex along one plane - as opposed to the shoulder & hip - which rotates.
Because they will only allow direct pivotal movement in one direction.
The same way that a hinge allows a door to open and close, the knee (or elbow) allows you to flex and extend your lower leg (or lower arm).
Because the joints work just like a door hinge.
The same way a hinge allows a door to open or close it allows your knee to extend or flex.
A hinge on a door connects the door to the wall and enables it to move back and forth. Likewise a hinge joint connects two bones and enables one to move back and forth like a hinged door.

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11y ago

because the joint only moves the elbow along 1 axis, like ahinge

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Q: Why are hinge joints called hinge joints?
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