Fibrous (synarthroses) joints are formed by fibrous connective tissue and include which of the following?

• A. Sutures of skull bones
• B. Intervertebral discs
• C. Synovial joints
• D. Epiphyseal plates

Answer: (A)

Fibrous joints are immobile joints formed by dense regular connective tissue that tightly binds bones together. Sutures between skull bones are the classic example, consisting of interlocking, fibrous tissue that holds the bones firmly and allows virtually no movement after formation. In contrast, intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous joints that permit slight movement, synovial joints have a joint cavity and permit wide motion, and epiphyseal plates are cartilaginous growth regions that later ossify. So the skull sutures fit as the fibrous synarthroses.