Structural Classification Of Joints

Question 1

Fibrous Joints

Answer 1

a. Bones are joined by fibrous tissue
b. Most are immovable (synarthrosis)
c. Three major types:
1) Sutures- very short connective tissue fibers (joints of skull)
2) syndesmosis-Bones connected by short ligaments (tibiofibular joint)
3) gomphoses-short fibers or ligaments (tooth in socket)

Question 2

Cartilaginous Joints

Answer 2

a. Bones joined by a plate or pad of cartilage
b.Most are slightly moveable (amphiarthrosis)
c. Two major types:
1. Symphyses- a broad flat disc of fibrocartilage (amphiarthrosis)
Ex. Intervertebral joints, pubic symphysis)
2. Synchondroses- hyaline cartilage (synarthrosis) Ex: sternocostal joint

Question 3

Synovial Joints

Answer 3

a. Bones separated by a joint cavity
b. All are freely moveable (diarthrosis)
c. Most joints in the body are synovial joints