Intervertebral discs are which type of joint?

Intervertebral discs are which type of joint?

• A. Cartilaginous
• B. Synovial
• C. Fibrous
• D. Bony

Answer: (A)

Intervertebral discs form a cartilaginous joint between adjacent vertebral bodies. They’re made of fibrocartilage—the outer annulus fibrosus and inner nucleus pulposus—which cushions and allows limited movement. This type lacks a synovial cavity and joint capsule, setting it apart from synovial joints, and it isn’t a fibrous or bony connection. In fact, these joints are a secondary cartilaginous joint, known as a symphysis, where cartilage unites the bones and provides stability with some flexibility.

Intervertebral discs form a cartilaginous joint between adjacent vertebral bodies. They’re made of fibrocartilage—the outer annulus fibrosus and inner nucleus pulposus—which cushions and allows limited movement. This type lacks a synovial cavity and joint capsule, setting it apart from synovial joints, and it isn’t a fibrous or bony connection. In fact, these joints are a secondary cartilaginous joint, known as a symphysis, where cartilage unites the bones and provides stability with some flexibility.