What type of joint is the shoulder classified as?

The shoulder is classified as a ball and socket joint, which allows for a wide range of motion in multiple planes. This type of joint consists of a spherical head of one bone fitting into a cup-like socket of another bone, allowing for rotation, flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. The shoulder joint specifically is formed by the head of the humerus fitting into the shallow glenoid cavity of the scapula. This anatomical structure enables the arm to move freely in various directions, making it one of the most mobile joints in the body. In contrast, other joint types, such as hinge joints, only allow movement in one plane, while pivot and condyloid joints have more limited motions compared to the versatility of the ball and socket design.