Question

Give an example of a gliding joint.

Answer 1

Hint: Joints are the contact point between the bones and the cartilages. These are responsible for the movement of the bones. Most of the joints in the human body are synovial joints and they are present in the areas where the frequent and easy mobility is important.

Complete step by step answer:
Joints are classified into three types based on its mobility. They are synovial joint, fibrous joints and cartilaginous joints. Synovial joints are freely movable because they are filled with fluid in its synovial cavity. And hence it is known as freely movable joints. Fibrous joints are fixed in nature and cartilaginous joints are neither fixed nor freely movable, they are slightly movable in nature.

Of all the three, synovial joints have increased mobility. Cells of the synovial joint secrete synovial fluid that provide lubrication for the easy movement of the bone. Gliding joints are one of the types of synovial joints that meet each other at the flat articular areas. They are provided with the ligaments between them. They provide the movement in which the bones glide each other and give little movement in every direction.

Zygapophyses of adjacent vertebrae are an example of gliding joints.

Note:
Ball and socket joints, ellipsoidal joints, gliding joints, hinge joints, saddle joints are the type of the synovial joints.
Joints that are present at the wrist, ankles. Between the carpals, zygapophyses of adjacent vertebrae are the examples of the gliding joints