Joint with limited motion between the pubic bones.

Joint with limited motion between the pubic bones.

• A. Saddle joint
• B. Symphysis
• C. Plane joint
• D. Pivot joint

Answer: (B)

The joint between the pubic bones is a symphysis, a cartilaginous joint where the bones are joined by fibrocartilage with an intervening disc. This makes it an amphiarthrosis—designed for stability but with a small amount of motion to absorb forces and allow some flexibility, especially during activities like walking or childbirth. The pubic symphysis is formed by the fibrocartilaginous interpubic disc and supporting ligaments, which together limit movement to a gentle give rather than true sliding or rotation. That limited motion is exactly what characterizes this joint, differentiating it from other joint types. By contrast, saddle, plane, and pivot joints are synovial joints that allow more specific directions of movement and do not match the limited gliding nature of the pubic articulation.

The joint between the pubic bones is a symphysis, a cartilaginous joint where the bones are joined by fibrocartilage with an intervening disc. This makes it an amphiarthrosis—designed for stability but with a small amount of motion to absorb forces and allow some flexibility, especially during activities like walking or childbirth. The pubic symphysis is formed by the fibrocartilaginous interpubic disc and supporting ligaments, which together limit movement to a gentle give rather than true sliding or rotation. That limited motion is exactly what characterizes this joint, differentiating it from other joint types. By contrast, saddle, plane, and pivot joints are synovial joints that allow more specific directions of movement and do not match the limited gliding nature of the pubic articulation.