Where would a gliding movement most likely occur?

• A. Between the carpal bones of the wrist
• B. At the hip joint
• C. Between the vertebral bodies
• D. At the elbow joint

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of gliding movements. Gliding movements occur when flat or nearly flat bone surfaces slide past one another. These movements are typically small and occur in joints with flat articulating surfaces.
2. Step 2: Review the anatomy of the carpal bones in the wrist. The carpal bones are small, flat bones that articulate with one another, allowing for gliding movements. This type of movement is common in the wrist due to the structure of the carpal bones.
3. Step 3: Examine the hip joint. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, which allows for a wide range of movements such as flexion, extension, rotation, and circumduction, but not gliding movements.
4. Step 4: Consider the vertebral bodies. The vertebral bodies are connected by intervertebral discs and ligaments, allowing for movements like flexion, extension, and rotation, but gliding is not a primary movement here.
5. Step 5: Analyze the elbow joint. The elbow joint is a hinge joint, which primarily allows for flexion and extension. Gliding movements do not occur at hinge joints like the elbow.