Which joint allows bones to glide over one another?

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

Answer: (A)

Gliding joints let bones slide past one another across relatively flat surfaces, producing a small, gliding movement rather than bending or rotating bones. This type of joint has flat or slightly curved articular surfaces and is stabilized by ligaments, which allows the bones to translate past each other in small directions. Examples include the tiny movements between carpal bones in the wrist and the tarsal bones in the foot. In contrast, hinge joints allow movement in one plane (like bending and straightening), ball-and-socket joints permit movement in multiple directions including rotation, and immovable joints barely move at all. So, the ability to slide past one another is the defining feature of this joint type.