American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

What joint type allows for both gliding movements and is exemplified by the carpals in the wrist?

1. Hinge

2. Pivot

3. Ball and socket

4. Gliding

The correct answer is: Gliding

The correct answer is the gliding joint, which allows for movement in multiple directions along a plane, enabling gliding or sliding motions between the articulating surfaces. In the context of the carpals in the wrist, these bones are arranged in such a way that they can slide over each other, providing a degree of flexibility and movement without the restriction seen in other joint types. Gliding joints do not permit rotation, but they allow for lateral and back-and-forth movement, which is essential for the complex actions of the wrist, such as flexion, extension, and slight rotations. This capability is crucial for tasks that require precision and dexterity, like typing or playing musical instruments. In contrast, hinge joints are designed for movement in one direction (like opening and closing a door), pivot joints allow for rotational movement around a single axis, and ball and socket joints offer the widest range of motion including rotation in multiple axes. Each of these other joint types serves different functions and movement patterns, but none replicate the sliding and gliding abilities seen in the carpals of the wrist.