Cartilaginous Joints in Human Anatomy

Questions and Answers

What is the term for the joints between each bony rib and its respective costal cartilage, and what type of joint are they classified as?

Costochondral joints, synchondroses

What is the difference between the first sternocostal joint and the sternocostal joints between the sternum and the costal cartilage of ribs 2-7?

The first sternocostal joint is a synchondrosis, while the sternocostal joints between the sternum and the costal cartilage of ribs 2-7 are synovial joints

What is the cause of costochondritis, and how is it typically treated?

The cause of costochondritis is usually unknown, but it can be caused by repeated minor trauma or infection; it is typically treated with NSAIDs and rest

What is the main function of the fibrocartilage in a symphysis?

The fibrocartilage in a symphysis resists both compression and tension stresses and acts as a resilient shock absorber Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a symphysis, and what is its function in pregnant females?

The pubic symphysis is an example of a symphysis, and in pregnant females, it becomes more mobile to allow the pelvis to change shape slightly as the fetus passes through the birth canal Signup and view all the answers

What is the functional category that a symphysis is placed in, and why is it in this category?

A symphysis is placed in the category of amphiarthroses, because it allows slight mobility Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of intervertebral discs in the spine, and how do they contribute to the flexibility of the spine?

Intervertebral discs are an example of symphyses, and they allow slight movements between adjacent vertebrae, contributing to the flexibility of the spine Signup and view all the answers

How do the collective movements of intervertebral discs contribute to the flexibility of the spine?

The collective movements of intervertebral discs afford the spine considerable flexibility Signup and view all the answers

Explain why the presence of a synchondrosis in a long bone indicates that the bone is still growing.

Synchondroses are formed by hyaline cartilage in epiphyseal plates of long bones. This cartilage is responsible for bone growth in length. Therefore, the presence of a synchondrosis indicates that the epiphyseal plates are still active, and the bone is still growing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the functional classification of a synchondrosis and why is this classification appropriate?

Synchondroses are classified as synarthroses, which are immobile joints. This classification is appropriate because the hyaline cartilage between the bones in a synchondrosis is very strong and inflexible, preventing movement. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the process of how a synchondrosis becomes a synostosis, and provide an example of this process.

A synchondrosis becomes a synostosis when the hyaline cartilage is replaced by bone. This process occurs as the individual grows older and the growth plates close. An example is the fusion of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis between the sphenoid and occipital bones, which typically occurs between 18 and 25 years of age. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the structure and function of synchondroses and symphyses. Provide an example of each.

Synchondroses and symphyses are both types of cartilaginous joints, but they differ in the type of cartilage and their mobility. Synchondroses are made of hyaline cartilage and are immobile (synarthroses), while symphyses are made of fibrocartilage and are slightly mobile (amphiarthroses). An example of a synchondrosis is the epiphyseal plate in a long bone, while an example of a symphysis is the pubic symphysis. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why the spheno-occipital synchondrosis is useful for determining the age of a skull.

The spheno-occipital synchondrosis is a synchondrosis that fuses between 18 and 25 years of age. Therefore, by examining whether this joint has fused or not, one can estimate the age of the skull. If the joint is fused, it indicates that the individual was at least 25 years old when they died. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the immobility of synchondroses an important factor in the skeletal system?

The immobility of synchondroses is important for maintaining the structural integrity of bones and preventing unwanted movement. For example, the epiphyseal plates in long bones need to be immobile to allow for proper growth and development. The immobility of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis helps to maintain the structural integrity of the skull. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the structure of hyaline cartilage in a synchondrosis contributes to its function.

Hyaline cartilage in a synchondrosis is a strong and inflexible tissue. Its structure, with its smooth, glassy appearance, allows for minimal friction between bones. Its strength and rigidity ensure that the bones are held together firmly and prevent excessive movement. The immobility provided by hyaline cartilage in synchondroses is crucial for maintaining skeletal stability. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the significance of synchondroses in the growth and development of the human skeleton.

Synchondroses are crucial for bone growth in length during childhood and adolescence. They provide a site for the deposition of new bone tissue, allowing the bones to lengthen. Once growth is complete, the hyaline cartilage is replaced by bone, and the synchondrosis becomes a synostosis. This process contributes to the overall development and maturity of the skeleton. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes