What type of joint is the hip joint classified as?

The hip joint is classified as a ball and socket joint due to its structure and function. In this type of joint, one rounded end of a bone fits into a cup-like cavity of another bone, allowing for a wide range of motion in multiple directions. Specifically, the ball is formed by the head of the femur, and the socket is the acetabulum of the pelvis. This anatomical configuration facilitates movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation, making the hip joint one of the most mobile joints in the body.

This classification highlights its role in supporting activities like walking, running, and jumping while bearing weight. The extensive range of motion associated with ball and socket joints is essential for activities that require full mobility of the hip region, further underlining why it is categorized in this way.