Which statement describes the features of freely movable (synovial) joints?

Which statement describes the features of freely movable (synovial) joints?

• A. They are fixed and immovable
• B. Ligaments hold the joint in place, with a joint capsule, joint cavity, synovial fluid, and cartilage
• C. They lack a joint capsule
• D. They do not contain cartilage

Answer: (B)

Freely movable joints are designed to allow a wide range of movement while staying stable. The key features are a joint capsule that surrounds the joint, a joint cavity containing synovial fluid, articular cartilage on the ends of the bones, and ligaments that hold the bones in place and provide stability. The synovial fluid lubricates the joint, reducing friction as it moves. So, describing a joint with a capsule, cavity, synovial fluid, cartilage, and ligaments captures what makes a synovial joint work. Other statements don’t fit because synovial joints are not fixed and immovable, they do have a joint capsule, and they do contain cartilage.

Freely movable joints are designed to allow a wide range of movement while staying stable. The key features are a joint capsule that surrounds the joint, a joint cavity containing synovial fluid, articular cartilage on the ends of the bones, and ligaments that hold the bones in place and provide stability. The synovial fluid lubricates the joint, reducing friction as it moves. So, describing a joint with a capsule, cavity, synovial fluid, cartilage, and ligaments captures what makes a synovial joint work.

Other statements don’t fit because synovial joints are not fixed and immovable, they do have a joint capsule, and they do contain cartilage.