Which synovial joint type is characterized by a gliding movement (no axis of rotation), as seen between carpal bones?

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

Answer: (A)

Gliding joints, or plane joints, allow only small sliding movements between flat or slightly curved surfaces, with no fixed axis of rotation. Between the carpal bones, the articular surfaces slide past one another to produce gentle gliding motions in various directions, but there isn’t a single, defined axis around which rotation occurs. That limited, non-axial movement is the hallmark of gliding joints. In contrast, hinge joints produce rolling or swinging motion around one fixed axis (like elbow flexion/extension), pivot joints rotate around a vertical axis, and ball-and-socket joints allow rotation in multiple directions around various axes.