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💀anatomy and physiology i review

Ligamentous Joints

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Ligamentous joints, also known as fibrous joints, are a type of joint in the body where the bones are connected by dense, fibrous connective tissue called ligaments. These joints have little to no movement and provide stability and support to the skeletal structure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Ligamentous joints are characterized by the presence of dense, fibrous connective tissue called ligaments that hold the bones together.
  2. These joints have very limited to no movement, providing stability and support to the skeletal structure.
  3. Examples of ligamentous joints include the sutures of the skull, the joints between the ribs and sternum, and the joints between the carpals in the wrist.
  4. Ligamentous joints are classified as a type of fibrous joint, which is a broader category of joints with little to no movement.
  5. The immobility of ligamentous joints is essential for the protection and integrity of the skeletal system, particularly in areas that require stability, such as the skull and rib cage.

Review Questions

  • Explain the key features that define a ligamentous joint and how it differs from other types of joints.
    • Ligamentous joints are a type of fibrous joint characterized by the presence of dense, fibrous connective tissue called ligaments that connect the bones. These joints have very limited to no movement, providing stability and support to the skeletal structure. This is in contrast to other joint types, such as synovial joints, which allow for a greater range of motion due to the presence of a fluid-filled joint cavity and a synovial membrane. The immobility of ligamentous joints is essential for protecting the integrity of the skeletal system in areas that require stability, like the skull and rib cage.
  • Describe the role of ligaments in the function and structure of ligamentous joints.
    • Ligaments play a crucial role in the structure and function of ligamentous joints. The dense, fibrous connective tissue of the ligaments physically connects the bones, holding them together and limiting their movement. This provides stability and support to the skeletal system, particularly in areas that require minimal movement, such as the skull and rib cage. The ligaments also help to protect the integrity of the bones and surrounding tissues by preventing excessive or abnormal joint movement. Additionally, the ligaments contribute to the overall strength and durability of the ligamentous joints, ensuring the skeletal structure can withstand the stresses and forces placed upon it during daily activities and movements.
  • Analyze the importance of the immobility of ligamentous joints in the context of the skeletal system and overall body function.
    • The immobility of ligamentous joints is essential for the protection and integrity of the skeletal system, as well as the overall function of the body. By restricting movement between the connected bones, ligamentous joints provide stability and support, which is crucial in areas like the skull and rib cage that require a high degree of structural integrity. This immobility helps to safeguard the vital organs and structures housed within these regions, such as the brain and the respiratory system. Furthermore, the limited movement of ligamentous joints contributes to the body's ability to transmit forces and stresses through the skeletal system, enabling efficient movement and physical activity. Without the stability and support offered by ligamentous joints, the skeletal structure would be more vulnerable to injury and dysfunction, compromising the body's overall health and performance.