Fibrous Joints – Examples, Diagram, Function & Movement of Joint

Fibrous Joints are joints formed by fibrous tissue, like collagen. These are also called fixed or immobile joints as there is no movement. The hard tissue with a lot of collagen fibers connects the fibrous joints. There are different types of fibrous joints such as sutures, fontanelles, synostosis, syndesmoses, etc. The skull is the best example of a fibrous joint. The skull is the most common example of a fibrous joint. Other examples of fibrous joints are the spine, pelvis, rib cage, and upper jaw. Fibrous joints are strongly attached to adjacent bones and provide protection to internal organs, strength to the body regions, and weight-bearing stability.

Fibrous Joints Definition

Fibrous Joints are the joints that are connected by the help of fibrous tissue. Fibrous joints are also known as immovable or fixed joints. Fibrous joints are present in different parts of the body such as the skull, tooth, and ankles.

What are Fibrous Joints?

Fibrous Joints are described as joints that are connected by collagen fibers. Collagen fiber is a connective tissue. These joints are fixed or immovable. There is no movement between the bones. Sutures, gomphosis, and syndesmoses are further divisions of fibrous joints. The only immovable joints in the cranium are called sutures. Wide regions of fibrous connective tissue that create fibrous joints between the skull’s bones are called fontanelles in the case of a newborn.

Examples of Fibrous Joints

Some examples of Fibrous Joints are

• Ankle bones
• Skull bones
• Rib cage
• Pelvic bones

Fibrous Joints Diagram

The ankle joint has a fibrous joint known as syndesmosis. It is a slightly mobile fibrous Joint. The tibia and fibula are joined together by connective tissue. The distal tibiofibular joint is an example. The diagram of fibrous joint is shown below:

• (a) Sutures
• (b) Syndesmoses
• (c) Gomphosis.

Types of Fibrous Joints

Fibrous Joints are divided into three types: Sutures, Syndesmoses, and Gomphosis.

Sutures

A suture on the skull is a specific kind of joint, and it’s made out of fibers. It is found only in the skull, and it holds its bony plates together. The Sharpey’s fibers tissue originate from each bone and links it with its neighbor attaching the sutures. The slight movement of the sutures makes the skull flexible. These bones have very little movement, so they’re known as immovable joints.

Syndesmoses

Syndesmos are joints by stretchy ligaments and bones that allow some movement. An interosseous membrane tissue between bones plays an important role in setting up compartments, absorbing impacts, and separating joints. E.g. The interosseous membrane divides muscle in a leg between the tibiae and fibula and stabilizes bones around the elbow.

Gomphosis

The gomphosis is a special type of joint that allows teeth to be inserted in their sockets at the upper and lower jaw. It allows very little movement. The new teeth have gonemphoses of their own that keep them together as they grow and lose baby teeth. The gomphosis is made of hard tissue called ligaments which are attached to the tooth’s base and socket. When people grow old, their new teeth develop gomphoses that keep them in the mouth.

Fibrous Joints Function

The functions of fibrous joints are as follows:

• It provides structural support and stability.
• It allows minimal movement and ensures that certain parts of the body are rigid and protective.
• It prevents unnecessary shifting and compression of soft organs such as the cranium protecting the brain.
• Fibrous joints conserve energy by minimizing unnecessary movement of bones.

Conclusion – Fibrous Joints

Fibrous joints are also called fixed joints as they do not move much like other joints. These joints provide support and are classified according to their shape and function, like those in the skull. Fibrous joints are tightly held together by collagen-rich soft tissue. These joints have thick, collagen-rich tissue that connects bone with no space at all. The skull’s fibrous joints allow slight movement in children during birth. The sutures begin to fuse after birth, becoming rigid and immovable. There are different types of fibrous joints such as sutures, fontanelles, synostosis, syndesmoses, etc.

FAQs on Fibrous Joints

What is an Example of a Gomphosis Joint?

The teeth roots fit into sockets of the mandible and maxilla. It is also known as a peg and socket joint.

Where are Fibrous Joints Located?

Fibrous joints are located in various parts of the body. A few examples where fibrous joints are located are the skull, ankle, teeth etc.

What are the Three main Types of Joints?

The three main types of joints are fibrous joints, synovial joints and cartilaginous Joints but based on functionality, the main types of joints are immovable, slightly movable and freely movable.

What is the Fibrous Layer of the Joint?

The fibrous layer of a joint is dense fibrous connective tissue. The joint cavity is surrounded by the articular capsule.

What are the 7 Major Joints in the Body?

The seven major joints in the human body are the Hinge joint, Ball and Socket joint, Pivot joint, Condyloid joint, Gliding joint, Saddle joint etc.