Structure and Function of Fibrous Joints

Syndesmosis

-a fibrous joint. -greater distance between the articulating surfaces and more dense irregular connective tissue than in a suture. -the dense irregular connective tissue is typically arranged as a bundle (ligament). -this joint permits limited movement. -distal tibiofibular joint. -classified as a *amphiarthrosis* joint because it permits some movement.

interosseous membrane

-a substantial sheet of dense irregular connective tissue that binds neighbouring long bones. -classified as *amphiarthrosis* because it permits slight movement. -example: between the radius and ulna and between the tibia and fibula.

Suture

-a type of fibrous joint. -composed of a thin layer of dense irregular connective tissue. -only occur between bones of the skull. -form when the skull is developing. -immovable (adults) or slightly movable (children). -provide shock absorption for the skull.

Gomphosis

-another example of sydesmosis. -a cone shaped peg fits into a socket. -the only examples of gomphosis in the human body is the articulations between the roots of the teeth and their sockets.

Fibrous Joints

-there is no synovial cavity. -the bones are held together by dense irregular connective tissue. -rich in collagen fibres.

Synotosis

the term used when a suture of a child is replaced by bone in an adult, complete fusion of the 2 bones into 1. Usually occurs around age 6. -classified as a *synarthrosis joint* because it is immovable.