Fibrous joint

Fibrous joints are connected by dense connective tissue, consisting mainly of collagen. In these joints the bones are firmly interlocked by irregular hacksaw-like edges. These are fixed joints where bones are united by a layer of white fibrous tissue of varying thickness. The joints between the bones are called sutures. Such immovable joints are also referred to as synarthrosis.

Types

These joints are also called "fixed" or "immovable" joints, because they do not move. These joints have no joint cavity and are connected via fibrous connective tissue. The skull bones are connected by fibrous joints.

Joint

A joint or articulation (or articular surface) is the location at which bones connect. They are constructed to allow movement (except for skull, sacral, sternal, and pelvic bones) and provide mechanical support, and are classified structurally and functionally.

Classification

Joints are mainly classified structurally and functionally. Structural classification is determined by how the bones connect to each other, while functional classification is determined by the degree of movement between the articulating bones. In practice, there is significant overlap between the two types of classifications.

Terms ending in the suffix -sis are singular and refer to just one joint, while -ses is the suffix for pluralization.

An articulate facet is generally seen as a small joint, especially used when speaking of the joints of the ribs.

Structural classification (binding tissue)

Structural classification names and divides joints according to the type of binding tissue that connects the bones to each other. There are three structural classifications of joints: