Hip joint anatomy in 3D
The hip joint is formed where the head of the femur fits into the deep socket (acetabulum) on the side of the hip bone, linking the pelvis to the leg. Its deep socket and strong ligaments make it more stable than the shoulder joint, with a narrower range of movement. When we stand it passes the weight of the upper body to the legs.
Frequently asked questions
Which bones form the hip joint?
The hip joint is formed by the hip bone and the femur.
What type of joint is the hip joint?
It is a ball-and-socket joint: the ball-shaped head of the femur sits deep in the acetabulum of the hip bone.
What movements happen at the hip joint?
It allows flexion and extension (swinging the leg forwards and back), abduction and adduction (out to the side and back in), internal and external rotation, and circumduction.
Bones of the hip joint
Other joints
- Shoulder joint
- Acromioclavicular joint
- Elbow joint
- Radioulnar joints
- Wrist joint
- Thumb carpometacarpal joint
- Sacroiliac joint
- Knee joint
- Ankle joint
- Subtalar joint
- Temporomandibular joint
- Atlanto-occipital joint
- Atlanto-axial joint
- Intervertebral joints
- Costovertebral joints
Skeleton
Read more
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Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.