What is characteristic of a gliding synovial joint?

A gliding synovial joint is characterized by its ability to allow small movements in various directions, specifically a gliding motion back and forth or sideways. This type of joint, found in areas such as the wrist and ankle, consists of two flat or slightly curved surfaces that can slide over each other. This sliding motion provides a degree of flexibility and adaptability to the joint, making it particularly effective in areas where a larger range of motion is less necessary compared to other joint types.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of gliding synovial joints. For instance, rotational movement is not typical for gliding joints, as they do not allow for significant rotation of one bone around another. Additionally, while gliding joints do allow movement, they do not provide a wide range of motion compared to hinge or ball-and-socket joints. Lastly, while the structure of the joint involves concavoconvex surfaces, this characteristic is not unique to gliding joints and does not concisely define their primary function. Thus, the emphasis on the small amount of gliding motion makes the correct answer a clear representation of what defines a gliding synovial joint.