What type of joint operates with rotation about a single plane of motion?

The hinge joint is characterized by allowing movement primarily in one direction, similar to the motion of a door. This type of joint operates around a single plane, enabling flexion and extension movements. Examples of hinge joints include the elbow and knee, where one bone moves towards or away from another in a straight line, thereby facilitating rotational movement around a fixed axis.

In contrast, ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder or hip, allow for multiple axes of rotation and a wider range of motion, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. Pivot joints, like those found between the first and second vertebrae in the neck, also allow for rotation but do not primarily function in a plane like a hinge joint. Lastly, fibrous joints are immovable and do not provide any significant range of motion, as their structure is designed for stability rather than movement. Hence, the hinge joint's design allows for effective rotation about a single plane, making it the correct choice.