Which joints primarily perform gliding and spinning movements?

The correct answer is based on the characteristics of the plane joints, also known as gliding joints. Plane joints allow for limited movement between the flat surfaces of the bones they connect. This movement is primarily gliding, where one bone slides over the surface of another, and spinning, which can occur when a bone rotates around its axis in relation to the connected structure.

For example, the intercarpal joints in the wrist and the facet joints of the vertebrae are typical locations for plane joints. These joints allow for a small degree of movement in many directions, but do not allow for significant rotational or angular movements typical of other joint types.

In contrast, saddle joints (like the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb) allow more movement than plane joints but not specifically gliding or spinning as their primary function. Concave and convex terms typically describe the shapes of joint surfaces but do not specifically relate to joint movement characteristics. The classifications of concave and convex do not refer to a specific joint type with primary gliding and spinning movements as seen in plane joints.