The joint between the first rib and the sternum is an example of what type of joint?

The joint between the first rib and the sternum is an example of what type of joint?

• A. Synovial joint
• B. Fibrous joint
• C. Cartilaginous joint (synchondrosis)
• D. Bony joint

Answer: (C)

Think about how the bones are held together rather than how much they move. The connection between the first rib and the sternum is formed by hyaline cartilage with no joint cavity, which is the defining feature of a primary cartilaginous joint. This specific arrangement is a synchondrosis, where hyaline cartilage unites the rib cartilage to the sternum. It provides stability with only limited movement and can ossify with age, potentially becoming a bony fusion. In contrast, synovial joints have a joint cavity and fluid and allow more motion; fibrous joints are connected by dense connective tissue with little movement; a bony joint is a fused, solid bone with no cartilage. So, this is a cartilaginous joint (synchondrosis).

Think about how the bones are held together rather than how much they move. The connection between the first rib and the sternum is formed by hyaline cartilage with no joint cavity, which is the defining feature of a primary cartilaginous joint. This specific arrangement is a synchondrosis, where hyaline cartilage unites the rib cartilage to the sternum. It provides stability with only limited movement and can ossify with age, potentially becoming a bony fusion. In contrast, synovial joints have a joint cavity and fluid and allow more motion; fibrous joints are connected by dense connective tissue with little movement; a bony joint is a fused, solid bone with no cartilage. So, this is a cartilaginous joint (synchondrosis).