A joint that permits movement in one direction but not in the opposite is best described as what type?

The joint that permits movement in one direction but restricts movement in the opposite direction is accurately described as a hinge joint. This type of joint functions similarly to a door hinge, allowing flexion and extension along a single axis. It is primarily found in locations such as the elbow and knee, where the movement is predominantly forward and backward.

In this context, a hinge joint facilitates actions like bending or straightening the arm or leg, but does not allow any rotational movement or side-to-side movement. This characteristic makes it distinct from other types of joints. For example, a ball and socket joint allows circular movement and rotation, a saddle joint permits movement in two planes but not full rotation, and a condyloid joint allows for movement in two axes but also does not allow for rotation. Each of these joints has its specific range of motion, but none restricts movement in one direction as strictly as a hinge joint does.