Question

what is the difference between hinge joints and pivotal joints?

Answer 1

Hinge joint allows movement only in 1 axis like hinges of a door. It allows movement in one direction. It is found in ankles, knee,elbow , etc..

whereas

Pivot joints allow rotation of a bone over another. It allows rotatory motion in one direction. Like opening of a bottle cap. It is found in Neck.

Answer 2

Hinge joints=This type of joint found in the knees elbows and wrists.The ends of the bones fit into each othet in such a way that movement is possible in only one direction.

Pivotal joints%In this kind of joints rotatory movement is possible around one axis only.
pivot joint is found between the skull and the first vertebra.the skull can move from one side to the other on the first vertebra..

these are important difference of hinge and pivotal joint..

hope its help you