Gliding Joint — Definition, Location and Function

Definition: A gliding joint is a type of synovial (freely movable) joint in which two flat or slightly curved bone surfaces slide over each other, allowing limited movement in multiple directions.

Alternate names: Plane joint, Arthrodial joint

Features: • Articular surfaces: flat or slightly curved (plane surfaces) • Movement: gliding/sliding motions — bones glide across each other • Limited range of motion — no rotation or large sweeping movements • Synovial fluid: present in the joint capsule for lubrication

Movements possible: • Sliding/gliding in multiple directions • Limited flexion, extension, abduction, adduction • No true rotation

Locations of gliding joints in the human body:

1. Wrist (Carpals): • Among the carpal bones of the wrist • Allows the wrist to bend, straighten, and move sideways • Example: intercarpal joints between capitate, hamate, trapezoid, etc.

2. Ankle (Tarsals): • Among the tarsal bones of the ankle/foot • Example: intertarsal joints

3. Spine (Facet joints): • Between the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae • Also called zygapophyseal joints • Allow the spine to bend and twist

4. Between clavicle and scapula: • Acromioclavicular joint (AC joint)

5. Sternoclavicular joint: • Between sternum (breastbone) and clavicle (collarbone)

Types of joints comparison: Joint Type | Movement | Example Ball and socket | Full rotation | Shoulder, hip Hinge | One direction | Elbow, knee Pivot | Rotation | Atlas-axis (neck) Gliding/Plane | Sliding | Wrist carpals, spine facets Saddle | Two planes | Thumb base Condyloid | Two planes | Knuckles Fixed/Fibrous | No movement | Skull bones (sutures) Cartilaginous | Very limited | Between vertebral bodies