What is the name of the socket that holds the head of the femur?

The socket that holds the head of the femur is known as the acetabulum. This structure is located in the pelvis and forms a crucial part of the hip joint. The acetabulum is a deep, cup-shaped socket into which the rounded head of the femur fits, allowing for a wide range of movements at the hip joint, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.

The design of the acetabulum provides stability and support to the hip joint, facilitating the strong load-bearing function required during activities such as walking, running, and jumping. Its depth and the complete surround of the femoral head create a secure fit that helps prevent dislocations during movement.

In contrast, the other terms do not refer specifically to the socket that holds the femur. The trochanter refers to specific bony prominences on the femur itself, fossa describes a shallow depression or hollow, and synovial pertains to a type of joint characterized by a fluid-filled joint capsule but does not define a specific structure like the acetabulum. Understanding the function and anatomy of the acetabulum is essential for comprehending hip joint mechanics and addressing related medical conditions.