Which joint type is characteristically immovable?

Which joint type is characteristically immovable?

• A. synovial joints
• B. cartilaginous joints
• C. ball-and-socket joints
• D. fibrous joints

Answer: (D)

Immobility is typical of fibrous joints because they are bound together by dense fibrous connective tissue with no joint cavity or articular cartilage to allow movement. This tight binding, as seen in skull sutures, locks the bones in place and results in almost no movement. In contrast, synovial joints have a synovial cavity and a surrounding capsule that enables a wide range of motion (like the knee or elbow). Cartilaginous joints bridge bones with cartilage and allow some limited movement (such as the joints between vertebrae or the pubic symphysis). A ball-and-socket joint is a type of synovial joint known for extensive movement in multiple directions.

Immobility is typical of fibrous joints because they are bound together by dense fibrous connective tissue with no joint cavity or articular cartilage to allow movement. This tight binding, as seen in skull sutures, locks the bones in place and results in almost no movement.

In contrast, synovial joints have a synovial cavity and a surrounding capsule that enables a wide range of motion (like the knee or elbow). Cartilaginous joints bridge bones with cartilage and allow some limited movement (such as the joints between vertebrae or the pubic symphysis). A ball-and-socket joint is a type of synovial joint known for extensive movement in multiple directions.