The hip joint is a synovial, ball-and-socket joint that allows for a great deal of freedom, including flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, medial and lateral rotation, and circumduction of the femur. The role of the hip joint is to provide support for the weight of the head, arms, and trunk during static postures (standing) and dynamic movements (walking and running). In addition to the hip joint, the gluteal region also contains the sacroiliac joint and the pubic symphysis, which connect the pelvic bones together as well as connecting the pelvic bones to the spine (i.e., the sacrum).