Identify the three main categories of joints based on their movement.

The classification of joints into three main categories based on their movement is accurately described by fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial joints.

Fibrous joints are those that offer little to no movement, such as the sutures in the skull, wherein the bones are tightly bound by connective tissue. Cartilaginous joints allow for limited movement, as seen in the intervertebral discs and the pubic symphysis, where cartilage provides a more flexible connection between bones. On the other hand, synovial joints are the most mobile type of joints, allowing for a wide range of movements. They are characterized by a fluid-filled joint capsule, which lubricates the joint and facilitates motion, as found in the knee, shoulder, and hip.

Understanding these categories helps in recognizing how different joints function and their roles in the human body’s locomotion and stability. This classification is foundational in anatomy and physiology, and it aids in various applications, including injury assessment and joint-related treatments.