3.5.3 Pivot joint

Last updated at June 28, 2026 by

๐Ÿ’ฌ Think about it

Shake your head to say 'no'. Your head turns smoothly side to side on your neck. What kind of joint lets it turn like that? Let us see.

What is a pivot joint?
  • It connects the skull to the backbone.
  • It lets the head move side to side.
  • It turns like a doorknob in its socket.
Important Points
  • A pivot joint allows side-to-side turning.
  • It connects the skull to the backbone.
  • It lets us shake the head to say 'no'.
โ“ Test Yourself
  1. Which joint lets the head turn side to side?
    View Answer Hide Answer
    The pivot joint.
  2. What does a pivot joint connect?
    View Answer Hide Answer
    The skull to the backbone.
Important Definitions
  • Pivot joint — a joint that allows side-to-side turning, like the skull on the backbone.
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