Which joint type features condyles of one bone fitting into elliptical cavities of another, allowing movement in one plane?

• A. Condyloid joint
• B. Ball-and-socket joint
• C. Hinge joint
• D. Pivot joint

Answer: (A)

Condyloid joints, also called ellipsoidal joints, have an oval convex surface on one bone that fits into an elliptical concavity on the adjacent bone. This shape allows movement in two planes, such as flexion-extension and abduction-adduction, with some circumduction, but without the rotational movement seen in ball-and-socket joints. The description of an oval condyle fitting into an elliptical cavity matches this joint type, which explains why it is the correct choice. In contrast, a ball-and-socket joint permits rotation in multiple directions, a hinge joint mainly moves in one plane (flexion-extension), and a pivot joint rotates around a single axis.