What type of joint provides stability to the body and allows for limited movement?

The correct answer relates to the nature of cartilaginous joints, which are designed to provide stability while allowing for limited movement. These joints are connected by cartilage, which offers a cushioning effect and maintains the integrity of the joint while permitting slight mobility. This type makes them particularly useful in areas where support is needed without extensive motion, such as in the spinal discs or the pubic symphysis.

In contrast, synovial joints, while highly mobile and allowing for a wide range of movements, do not prioritize stability in the same way that cartilaginous joints do. Fibrous joints, which are connected by dense connective tissue and generally do not allow any movement, can offer rigidity but lack the flexibility that cartilaginous joints provide. Lastly, ball-and-socket joints are known for their wide range of motion, such as in the shoulders and hips, but do not fit the characteristics of a joint that limits movement for additional stability.