What describes the action of gliding in the context of joint movement?

The action of gliding in joint movement is characterized by the movement of flat surfaces against each other. This type of motion is typically observed in joints such as the intercarpal joints of the wrist or the joints between the vertebrae. When these flat surfaces glide past each other, they allow for slight movements that contribute to overall joint stability and flexibility, without a significant change in the angle between the bones involved. This contrasts sharply with rotational movements, which involve twisting around an axis, or linear motions that occur in a straight line. Gliding does not restrict itself to a single plane of movement but allows for a more versatile range of motion, primarily aiding in the coordination and fluid mechanics of multi-segmented movements.