Final answer:
Statement (1) correctly differentiates synovial joints as freely movable and fibrous joints as immovable, reflecting the distinct structural and functional characteristics of these two joint types.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best differentiates a synovial and fibrous joint is: 1) Synovial joints are freely movable, while fibrous joints are immovable. This differentiation is based on the functional classification which categorizes joints by their mobility. The fibrous joints are mostly connected by fibrous connective tissue, allowing for little or no movement, serving as protections for internal organs or to provide weight-bearing stability. Examples include sutures in the skull, syndesmoses between parallel bones, and gomphoses such as the tooth to jaw connection.
Synovial joints, on the other hand, feature a joint cavity filled with fluid allowing the adjoining bones to move freely against each other. Movements can include gliding, angular, rotational, or special types. Examples of synovial joints include the knees, hips, and shoulders, all designed for significant mobility.