Which joint is a non-axial (gliding) joint?

• A. Carpal joints in the hand
• B. Elbow joint
• C. Radioulnar joint
• D. Knee joint

Answer: (A)

Non-axial joints allow movement by sliding of one bone over another in a plane, with no significant rotation. The joints between adjacent carpal bones in the hand are plane joints, enabling only small gliding motions as the bones slide past each other. This fits the non-axial gliding type. The elbow is a hinge joint, allowing flexion and extension in one plane (uniaxial). The radioulnar joint is a pivot joint, permitting rotation around the forearm’s axis (also uniaxial). The knee mainly functions as a hinge joint for bending and straightening, though it has limited rotational aspects when flexed, so it isn’t a classic non-axial gliding joint. Therefore, the carpal joints are the non-axial gliding joints.