Question

Identify the joints, which are freely movable.
A) Fibrous Joints
B) Symphyses
C) Synovial Joints
D) Cartilaginous joints

Answer 1

Hint:Freely movable joints allow for smooth movements between the adjacent bones, therefore a fluid filled cavity is needed to reduce friction while movement.

Complete answer:
1) Fibrous joints are the kinds of joints which are joined by dense fibrous irregular connective tissue which is rich in a specific “collagen” fibre. Fibrous joints have no joint cavity and are connected by fibrous connective tissue. These joints are also called fixed or immovable joints because they do not move.
2) Symphysis (plural symphyses) or fibrocartilaginous joints are the joint in which the face of one bone meets the body of another. Almost all of the symphyses lie in the vertebral column except two. The suture between the two halves of the left and the right mandible is called the symphysis menti and it is temporary in nature. All of the other symphyses are permanent.
3) A synovial joint is the kind of joint which is found between bones that move against each other, and are able to freely move adjacent to each other. For example- joints of the limbs (shoulder, hip, elbow and knee). Synovial joints have an exclusive character where the joint cavity is filled with fluid.
4) Cartilaginous joints are those kinds of joints which are connected by a cartilage (can be either fibrocartilage or hyaline). Cartilaginous joints allow more movement between bones than a fibrous joint but less than the synovial joint. For example -Joint between the manubrium and the sternum is a type of cartilaginous joint.

Thus, the correct answer is option C (Synovial joint).

Note:The fluid filled cavity of the synovial joint makes it the most mobile joint among the other ones. It is surrounded by an articular capsule which encases the cavity filled with the fluid.