Synarthrosis joints have limited mobility. These types of joints are characterized by their immobility or restricted movement. They are also known as immovable joints. Synarthrosis joints are found in areas of the body where stability and protection are more important than mobility.
One type of synarthrosis joint is the fibrous joint. Fibrous joints are connected by fibrous tissue, such as collagen fibers, which allows for very little to no movement at all. There are three types of fibrous joints: sutures, syndesmoses, and gomphoses.
Sutures are found in the skull and are tightly bound together by thin layers of fibrous tissue. They provide stability and protection to the brain, but allow for minimal movement during childbirth or skull growth in infants.
Syndesmoses joints are connected by longer fibers, such as ligaments or interosseous membranes. An example of a syndesmosis joint is the distal tibiofibular joint, where the tibia and fibula bones are connected by a ligament. This joint allows for a small amount of movement, but its main function is to provide stability and prevent excessive movement between the bones.
Gomphoses joints are found between the teeth and their sockets in the jawbone. The teeth are held in place by fibrous periodontal ligaments, which provide stability and prevent excessive movement. Although some limited movement may occur during chewing, the primary function of gomphoses joints is to maintain the integrity of the tooth attachment.
In contrast, diarthrosis joints, also known as synovial joints, are freely movable and allow for a wide range of motion. These joints are the most common type in the body and are characterized by the presence of a synovial cavity filled with synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint and reduces friction.
Amphiarthrosis joints, such as cartilaginous joints, allow for a small amount of mobility. These joints are connected by cartilage and provide more stability than synovial joints but less mobility than fibrous joints. Examples of cartilaginous joints include the intervertebral discs in the spine and the pubic symphysis.
Synarthrosis joints, including fibrous joints, have limited mobility or are immobile. These joints provide stability and protection to the body, while diarthrosis joints are freely movable and allow for a wide range of motion. Amphiarthrosis joints, such as cartilaginous joints, have a moderate amount of mobility and provide a balance between stability and mobility.