Which joint type is considered the least movable?

The least movable joint type is the fibrous joint. Fibrous joints are connected by dense connective tissue, primarily collagen, and do not allow for any significant movement between the bones. Examples include the sutures of the skull, where the bones are tightly bound together, providing stability and protection for the brain without the need for mobility.

In contrast, synovial joints, such as the knee or elbow, are highly movable due to their complex structure, which includes a synovial cavity filled with fluid that reduces friction during movement. Cartilaginous joints allow for more movement than fibrous joints but still provide limited mobility compared to synovial joints. They allow for slight movements due to the cartilage present between the bones, as seen in the intervertebral joints of the spine. Ball-and-socket joints, a subtype of synovial joints, are among the most movable, allowing for rotational movement in multiple directions.

Thus, fibrous joints are recognized as the least movable, emphasizing their role in stabilizing and protecting the skeletal structure.