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

The ball-and-socket joint allows for the greatest range of motion compared to other types of joints. This unique structure consists of a spherical head of one bone fitting into a cup-like socket of another, enabling movement in multiple directions.

For instance, the shoulder and hip joints are prime examples of ball-and-socket joints, facilitating movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. This design not only supports a wide array of motions but also enhances the versatility of limbs in both everyday activities and athletic performance. In contrast, hinge joints primarily allow for bending and straightening motions, pivot joints enable rotational movement around a single axis, and ellipsoid joints permit movement in two planes but are more limited than ball-and-socket joints in terms of rotation.