Gliding Joint in the Wrist

The correct answer is option 'D', which means that the gliding joint is present in the wrist. Let's understand why this is the correct answer.

What is a Gliding Joint?
- A gliding joint, also known as a plane joint, is a type of synovial joint where the bones involved have flat surfaces that glide against each other.
- It allows for a limited range of motion in multiple directions.

The Wrist Joint:
- The wrist joint is a complex joint that connects the forearm to the hand.
- It is formed by the distal ends of the radius and ulna bones of the forearm, and the carpal bones of the hand.

Features of the Wrist Joint:
1. Synovial Joint:
- The wrist joint is a synovial joint, which means it is surrounded by a joint capsule and contains synovial fluid that lubricates the joint.
- This allows for smooth movement and reduces friction between the bones.

2. Gliding Joint:
- The wrist joint is classified as a gliding joint because the bones involved have flat surfaces that glide against each other.
- The carpals, which are the small bones of the hand, have smooth, flat articular surfaces that allow for gliding movements.
- These movements include flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction.

3. Multi-Axial Joint:
- The wrist joint is also considered a multi-axial joint because it allows movement in multiple directions.
- This means that the wrist joint can move in a back-and-forth motion (flexion and extension), side-to-side motion (abduction and adduction), and circular motion (circumduction).

4. Ligaments:
- Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that help stabilize and support the joint.
- The wrist joint is supported by various ligaments, including the radial collateral ligament, ulnar collateral ligament, and palmar radiocarpal ligament, among others.

Summary:
The gliding joint is present in the wrist. The wrist joint is a complex synovial joint formed by the distal ends of the radius and ulna bones and the carpal bones of the hand. It is classified as a gliding joint because the bones involved have flat surfaces that glide against each other. The wrist joint allows for a limited range of motion in multiple directions, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction. It is supported by ligaments that help stabilize the joint.