Which joint type provides stability and allows limited movement?

The correct answer is the fibrous joint. Fibrous joints are characterized by the presence of dense connective tissue that holds the bones together, providing significant stability and allowing for very limited movement. They are primarily found in areas where strength and stability are more important than flexibility. For example, the sutures in the skull are fibrous joints, which allow little to no movement, helping to protect the brain and maintain the structure of the skull.

In contrast, ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder or hip joints, permit a wide range of motion in multiple directions, which is the opposite of what is described in the question. Hinge joints, like those in the elbows and knees, allow movement primarily in one direction (flexion and extension), but they do not have the same level of stability as fibrous joints. Synovial joints, the most common joint type, have a fluid-filled cavity that enhances movement and flexibility but can also lead to instability without proper muscular support. Thus, the defining characteristic of fibrous joints makes them the correct choice for this question.