Which of the following bone articulations forms the gliding joint?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB Pharmacist Previous Year Paper 2015

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Carpals

Rationale:

A gliding joint, also known as a plane joint, is a type of synovial joint where the articulating surfaces are flat or only slightly curved, allowing bones to glide past each other in any direction along the plane of the joint.
The carpals, which are the small bones in the wrist, articulate with each other to form gliding joints. This allows for the flexibility and movement of the wrist in various directions without significant rotation or angular movement.

Explanation of Other Options:

Humerus and radius

Rationale: The humerus and radius form part of the elbow joint, which is a hinge joint. Hinge joints allow for movement in one plane, similar to the opening and closing of a door, and are not capable of the gliding motion characteristic of plane joints.

Hip girdle and femur

Rationale: The hip girdle and femur form the hip joint, which is a ball-and-socket joint. This type of joint allows for a wide range of rotational movements in multiple planes, unlike the limited gliding movement in a plane joint.

Skull and neck vertebrae

Rationale: The articulation between the skull and the neck vertebrae (specifically the atlas and axis) forms a pivot joint, which allows for rotational movement. This is different from the gliding motion seen in plane joints.

Conclusion:

Among the given options, the carpals in the wrist are the bones that form gliding joints, allowing for the specific type of movement characteristic of plane joints. Other mentioned joints (humerus and radius, hip girdle and femur, skull and neck vertebrae) are hinge, ball-and-socket, and pivot joints respectively, which do not exhibit gliding movements.