Which joint type allows the greatest range of motion?

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

Answer: (B)

Maximum range of motion comes from how freely a joint can move in multiple directions. Ball-and-socket joints do this best because a spherical head fits into a cup-like socket, allowing movement in many planes: flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, rotation, and even circular motion (circumduction). That multi-axial freedom means these joints can move in more directions than any other type. Immovable joints don’t move at all, hinge joints are limited to movement in one plane (like bending and straightening), and gliding joints permit only small sliding motions between surfaces. So the ball-and-socket joint offers the greatest range of motion, as seen in the shoulder and hip.