Which type of joint has the greatest range of movement?

The type of joint that offers the greatest range of movement is the ball-and-socket joint. This joint structure allows for rotational movement as well as movements in multiple planes, including flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, and circumduction.

The design of a ball-and-socket joint consists of a rounded end of one bone fitting into a cup-like socket of another bone. This unique arrangement enables the bones to move freely in almost every direction, making it highly versatile and capable of accommodating various physical activities.

Examples of ball-and-socket joints in the human body include the hip joint and the shoulder joint, both of which enable extensive mobility and a wide array of movements essential for daily activities and sports performance. Other joint types, while functional, do not provide the same level of movement flexibility; for instance, pivot joints allow only rotation, saddle joints permit limited gliding and angular movements, and ellipsoidal joints enable movement in two planes but are also restricted compared to ball-and-socket joints.