OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of a joint found in the human body?

1. Spine

2. Knee

3. Cervical

4. Pelvis

The correct answer is: Knee

The knee is a prime example of a joint found in the human body. It is classified as a hinge joint, which allows for movement primarily in one direction—flexion and extension. This joint structure consists of bones (the femur and tibia), cartilage, ligaments, and synovial fluid, allowing for smooth movement and weight-bearing activities. While the spine and pelvis contain joints and play vital roles in body structure and movement, they are not singular joints. The spine is made up of multiple vertebrae connected by intervertebral joints, enabling a range of motion alongside stability. The pelvis consists of several bones fused together, forming a larger structure rather than a single joint. The term "cervical" refers to the cervical vertebrae in the neck, which also are part of a composite joint system along the spine rather than a singular joint itself.