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Ch. 9 Joints
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 9, Problem 4

The anterior joint between the two pubic bones is a
(a) Synchondrosis
(b) Synostosis
(c) Symphysis
(d) Synarthrosis

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the types of joints listed in the options. A synchondrosis is a cartilaginous joint where bones are joined by hyaline cartilage, often temporary in development.
Step 2: Recognize that a synostosis is a bony joint formed when two bones fuse together, eliminating the joint space.
Step 3: Know that a symphysis is a type of cartilaginous joint where bones are joined by fibrocartilage, allowing slight movement and providing strength and flexibility.
Step 4: Identify that a synarthrosis is a functional classification of a joint that is immovable, which can include different structural types.
Step 5: Recall that the anterior joint between the two pubic bones is specifically called the pubic symphysis, which is a fibrocartilaginous joint allowing slight movement, so the correct classification is a symphysis.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Symphysis

A symphysis is a type of cartilaginous joint where bones are joined by fibrocartilage, allowing limited movement. The pubic symphysis is the anterior joint between the two pubic bones, providing stability and slight flexibility during activities like walking or childbirth.
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Symphysis (Plural: Symphyses)

Synchondrosis

Synchondrosis is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage, typically immovable. Examples include the epiphyseal plates in growing bones. This type of joint differs from symphysis in the type of cartilage and mobility.
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Synchondrosis (Plural: Synchondroses)

Synostosis and Synarthrosis

Synostosis refers to a bony fusion where two bones have completely fused, eliminating any joint space, such as in the fusion of cranial bones. Synarthrosis is a functional classification describing immovable joints, which can include sutures or synchondroses but not symphyses.
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Synchondrosis (Plural: Synchondroses)