Movement of a joint in or around all three planes is described as what?

• A. Multiaxial
• B. Uniaxial
• C. Biaxial
• D. Monaxial

Answer: (A)

Movement in or around all three planes means the joint can move in multiple directions in three-dimensional space, which requires action around three perpendicular axes. That kind of motion is described as multiaxial. Ball-and-socket joints, like the shoulder and hip, exemplify this: they can flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and rotation, allowing movement in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes. In contrast, uniaxial joints move around a single axis (such as hinge joints that flex and extend in one plane, or pivot joints that rotate around one axis). Biaxial joints allow movement around two axes (like some wrist or knuckle joints). Monaxial is an uncommon term that also implies one axis, but multiaxial is the standard way to describe motion across all three planes.