Question

Describe any two types of cartilaginous joints giving examples.

Answer 1

Hint: They are those joints that are partially movable. It can be the joint between two bones or it can be the joint between the two vertebrae. The joints are due to the presence of a connective tissue called cartilage.

Complete step by step answer:
The cartilaginous joints are those joints that are not completely movable but are partially movable. They are generally of two types: synchondrosis and symphysis. The bones in these joints are joined together with the help of the connective tissue called cartilage. The cartilage is the tissue that is rigid and flexible than the bones and the muscles. The cartilage consists of various fibers including collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans. It is mostly found in the area around the ribcage, ear, nose, bronchi, etc.

The synchondrosis is the primary cartilaginous joint where two bones are completely joined together due to the presence of the hyaline cartilage. They are also called synarthrosis because they are an immovable type of joint. They are usually found in the ribs and few bones of the brain.
The symphysis is the secondary cartilaginous joint where the two bones are fused together due to the presence of fibrous cartilage, or fibrocartilage. They are also called amphiarthrose because they are slightly movable joints. They are usually found in the hip bone, jaw, etc.
Cartilages are of three types: elastic cartilage, headline cartilage, and fibrocartilage. The cartilages vary depending upon the presence of collagen and proteoglycan. The blood vessels and nerves are not present inside the cartilage. By the process of diffusion through chondrocytes, nutrition is supplied to the body. It is mesodermal in origin which is derived from the mesoderm germ layer during embryogenesis. The cartilage shows very little repair capabilities.

Note: The cartilage was first observed and discovered during the fourth century by Aristotle (384-322). The word cartilage was derived from the French and English word cartilage, meaning ‘cartilage’. In medical science, the word ‘chondro' is used to describe the cartilage. The cartilage is made up of chondroblasts cells and chondrocytes along with the matrix containing 10% aggrecan, 75% water, and a mixture of collagen and other substances.