Which term describes a joint with little or no movement between articulating surfaces?

Which term describes a joint with little or no movement between articulating surfaces?

• A. Amphiarthrosis
• B. Synarthrosis
• C. Diarthrosis
• D. Syndesmosis

Answer: (A)

Joints are classified by how much they move. Amphiarthrosis describes joints that are not completely fixed but allow only a small amount of motion. This fits the description of a joint with little movement between articulating surfaces, such as the joints between vertebrae or the pubic symphysis, where connective tissue provides both stability and a slight give to absorb forces. This is distinct from synarthrosis, which is truly immovable, and diarthrosis, which is freely movable. Syndesmosis involves ligaments between bones and generally offers limited movement as well, but the basic idea of limited motion is most directly captured by amphiarthrosis, making it the best fit for this prompt.

Joints are classified by how much they move. Amphiarthrosis describes joints that are not completely fixed but allow only a small amount of motion. This fits the description of a joint with little movement between articulating surfaces, such as the joints between vertebrae or the pubic symphysis, where connective tissue provides both stability and a slight give to absorb forces. This is distinct from synarthrosis, which is truly immovable, and diarthrosis, which is freely movable. Syndesmosis involves ligaments between bones and generally offers limited movement as well, but the basic idea of limited motion is most directly captured by amphiarthrosis, making it the best fit for this prompt.