Cartilaginous joint

Template:Infobox Anatomy Cartilaginous joints are connected entirely by cartilage (fibrocartilage or hyaline).^[1] Cartilaginous joints allow more movement between bones than a fibrous joint but less than the highly mobile synovial joint. An example would be the joint between the manubrium and the sternum. Cartilaginous joints also forms the growth regions of immature long bones and the intervertebral discs of the spinal column.

Primary cartilaginous joints[edit | edit source]

Known as "synchondroses". Bones are connected by hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage, sometimes occurring between ossification centers. This cartilage may ossify with age.

Examples in humans are the joint between the first rib and the manubrium of the sternum, and the "growth plates" between ossification centers in long bones. Also, the lesser known and commonly overlooked cartilaginous joint, the talus of the foot. These joints usually allow no movement, or minimal movement in the case of the manubriosternal and first manubriocostal joints.

Secondary cartilaginous joints[edit | edit source]

Known as "symphyses". Fibrocartilaginous joints, usually occurring in the midline.

Examples in human anatomy would be the intervertebral discs, and the pubic symphysis.

Articulating bones at a symphasis are covered with hyaline cartilage and have a thick, fairly compressable pad of fibrocartilage between them.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

• http://commons.bcit.ca/biology/articulations/cartilaginous.html

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