What type of joint is described as allowing limb movement with a ball in between?

The type of joint that allows for extensive limb movement with a spherical or ball-like structure in between is known as a ball joint, or more formally, a ball-and-socket joint. These joints consist of a round head of one bone that fits into a cup-like socket of another bone, enabling a wide range of motion in multiple directions. This anatomical structure is exemplified in joints like the shoulder and hip, where this design supports flexibility and rotational movement.

The ball-and-socket configuration is crucial for activities requiring a high degree of mobility, such as reaching, throwing, or rotating the arm or leg, which hinge joints, pivot joints, and fixed joints cannot achieve to the same extent. Hinge joints, for instance, allow movement primarily in one direction like a door, while pivot joints allow rotation around a single axis, and fixed joints do not permit movement at all. Hence, the ball joint stands out for its unique design that facilitates diverse and comprehensive movement.