Which type of joints allows bones to slide over one another?

Gliding joints allow bones to slide over one another, facilitating a range of movements. These joints are characterized by their ability to provide a small degree of motion in multiple directions, which is essential in areas of the body that require stability along with flexibility. The surfaces of the bones in these joints are typically flattened or slightly curved, enabling them to move smoothly past each other.

This anatomical feature is particularly important in certain locations, such as the wrists (carpals) and ankles (tarsals), where the sliding movement helps to adapt and accommodate various activities and positions. The other types of joints mentioned, such as hinge, ball and socket, and pivot joints, provide more restricted or specific types of movement, such as bending, rotational movement, or a combination of directional movement, but do not facilitate the sliding motion characteristic of gliding joints.