How many types of joint movements are commonly recognized?

The commonly recognized types of joint movements are five, which include flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. These movements describe how different joints in the body can move relative to each other and play a crucial role in understanding the anatomy and functionality of the musculoskeletal system.

Flexion decreases the angle between two body parts, while extension increases it. Abduction refers to movement away from the midline of the body, whereas adduction is the movement towards the midline. Lastly, rotation involves a bone revolving around its own longitudinal axis. Recognizing these five types of movements is essential for laboratory animal technicians when assessing the movements and behaviors of animals, ensuring their well-being and proper handling during research or care procedures.

The options that suggest fewer or more than five types of movements do not capture the full range of movements that can occur at joints in the body, hence the recognition of five distinct types of joint movements is widely accepted.