Question

Synchondroses and symphyses are:

1. synovial joints
2. cartilaginous joints
3. fibrous joints
4. condyloid joints

Short answer

The correct answer is option (b).

Synchondroses and symphyses are cartilaginous joints.

Step-by-step solution

Cartilaginous joints 

• Bones are joined by cartilage in joints known as cartilaginous joints.
• According to their structural characteristics, cartilaginous joints are specific types of joints.
• Cartilaginous joints permit greater movement between bones than a fibrous joint, but less than the extremely dynamic synovial joint.

Step: 1 Explanation for Correct answer

• Synchondroses and symphyses are the two different categories of cartilaginous joints.
• A synchondrosis is a cartilaginous joint where hyaline cartilage connects two bones.
• Symphyses are secondary cartilaginous joints made of fibrocartilage, commonly known as fibrocartilaginous joints. Thus, option b is correct.

Step: 2 Explanation for incorrect answer

• Synovial joints are the smooth cartilage-covered ends of bones. So, option a is wrong.
• Adjacent bones are securely joined together by fibrous connective tissue to form fibrous joints. So, option c is wrong as well.
• At the wrist and the bottom of the fingers, condyloid joints can be discovered. It is made up of a condyle, an egg-shaped bone that fits into a cavity with a similar form. Hence, option d is wrong too.