Which type of joint allows for the most movement?

Synovial joints are characterized by a fluid-filled joint cavity that allows for a great deal of movement between the articulating bones. These joints are designed for flexibility and a wide range of motion, enabling actions such as bending, rotating, and gliding. The presence of synovial fluid reduces friction between the moving parts, facilitating smooth motion. Examples of synovial joints include the shoulder, hip, knee, and elbows, all of which allow significant movement in multiple directions.

In contrast, fibrous joints are held together by dense connective tissue and typically do not allow much movement, as seen in the sutures of the skull. Cartilaginous joints are connected by cartilage and permit limited movement, which is more than fibrous joints but less than synovial joints; examples include the joints between the vertebrae. Fixed joints are rigid and allow no movement at all. This structural arrangement of synovial joints makes them the most mobile type of joint in the human body.