This type of joint allows bones to slide over one another.

• A. Hinge joint
• B. Ball and socket joint
• C. Imm movable joint
• D. Gliding joint

Answer: (D)

Movement between bones by sliding past one another is the hallmark of gliding joints. These plane joints have flat or slightly curved articular surfaces that slide against each other, allowing small translational movements with little or no angular change. This is why they show sliding motion rather than bending or rotating. Examples include the joints between the carpal bones in the wrist and the tarsal bones in the foot, as well as the facet joints between adjacent vertebrae. In contrast, hinge joints allow bending and straightening (flexion/extension) like the elbow; ball-and-socket joints permit multiple directions of movement including rotation; and immovable joints have no movement at all. So sliding between bones is best described by gliding joints.