Intervertebral discs are an example of which type of joint?

Intervertebral discs are an example of which type of joint?

• A. Diarthrosis
• B. Synarthrosis
• C. Amphiarthrosis
• D. Syndesmosis

Answer: (C)

Intervertebral joints allow only a small amount of movement between vertebrae because they’re connected by fibrocartilaginous discs. That limited mobility places them in the amphiarthrosis category, a cartilaginous joint type designed for slight movement and cushioning. They aren’t diarthroses, which are freely movable synovial joints with a capsule and fluid, nor synarthroses, which are immovable joints. They also aren’t a syndesmosis, which is a fibrous joint held together by ligaments with limited movement. So the joints formed by intervertebral discs fit as amphiarthroses.

Intervertebral joints allow only a small amount of movement between vertebrae because they’re connected by fibrocartilaginous discs. That limited mobility places them in the amphiarthrosis category, a cartilaginous joint type designed for slight movement and cushioning. They aren’t diarthroses, which are freely movable synovial joints with a capsule and fluid, nor synarthroses, which are immovable joints. They also aren’t a syndesmosis, which is a fibrous joint held together by ligaments with limited movement. So the joints formed by intervertebral discs fit as amphiarthroses.