What type of joint allows for the greatest range of motion?

The ball-and-socket joint is characterized by its unique structure, which comprises a spherical head of one bone fitting into a cup-like socket of another bone. This design allows for movement in multiple directions, including rotation. As a result, ball-and-socket joints permit a wide range of motions such as flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.

This type of joint can be found in areas like the shoulder and hip, where extensive mobility is necessary for various activities, such as reaching, throwing, and walking. The versatility of the ball-and-socket joint makes it the most mobile joint in the human body, surpassing the range of motion provided by other types of joints like hinge, pivot, or plane joints, which are more limited in their movement capabilities.