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    From Musculoskeletal System

    Coccygeus
    Pelvic floor muscle supporting the coccyx.
    Synchondroses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage.
    Tibialis Anterior
    Muscle that dorsiflexes and inverts the foot.
    Sutures (in the skull)
    Fibrous joints between skull bones.
    Saddle Joints
    e.g., thumb joint
    Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the outer knee.
    Maxillae
    Upper jaw bones that house the teeth and form part of the orbit.
    Parietal Bones
    Bones forming the sides and roof of the skull.
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.
    Vertebral Column
    Spinal column consisting of vertebrae.
    Pectoralis Major
    Chest muscle responsible for shoulder movement.
    Humerus
    Upper arm bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow.
    Carpals (8 bones)
    8 wrist bones.
    Annular Ligament
    The annular ligament is a strong fibrous band encircling the head of the radius, stabilizing the proximal radioulnar joint and allowing smooth rotation of the forearm.
    Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 - T12)
    Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12).
    Rectus Abdominis
    Abs muscle that flexes the trunk.
    Metacarpals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the palm of the hand.
    Gluteus Maximus
    Largest muscle in the buttocks responsible for hip extension.
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Tibia
    Shin bone, the larger bone in the lower leg.
    Syndesmoses
    Fibrous joints where bones are connected by ligaments.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Flexor and Extensor Groups
    Muscles responsible for flexing and extending the hand and wrist.
    Rotator Cuff Muscles
    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Masseter
    Muscle that elevates the mandible.

    Symphyses

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by fibrocartilage.

    1. Overview

    A symphysis is a type of cartilaginous joint where two bones are joined together by a pad of fibrocartilage. These joints are amphiarthrotic, meaning they allow limited movement while maintaining strong structural integrity. Symphyses are found in the axial skeleton and serve important roles in absorbing shock and providing stability to the body’s midline.

    2. Location

    Symphyses are located along the midline of the body, primarily in the axial skeleton. Major examples include:

    • Pubic symphysis: Between the two pubic bones of the pelvis.

    • Intervertebral discs: Between the vertebral bodies from C2 to the sacrum.

    • Manubriosternal joint: Between the manubrium and the body of the sternum (may ossify with age).

    3. Structure

    Symphyses are composed of:

    • Articulating bones: Covered with a thin layer of hyaline cartilage.

    • Fibrocartilaginous disc: A strong, compressible pad of fibrocartilage situated between the bones.

    • No synovial cavity: Unlike synovial joints, symphyses do not contain a joint capsule or synovial fluid.

    • Limited vascularity: Fibrocartilage has a poor blood supply, especially in central areas.

    Despite their simplicity, symphyses are durable and adaptable, with a structure optimized for both stability and resilience.

    4. Function

    Symphyses serve key mechanical and supportive functions:

    • Shock absorption: The fibrocartilage discs cushion forces transmitted between bones, especially during weight-bearing activities.

    • Limited movement: Allow slight movement for flexibility, such as vertebral bending or expansion of the pelvis during childbirth.

    • Joint stability: Provide firm articulation in regions where strength and minimal mobility are required.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Symphyses play roles beyond mechanical function:

    • Spinal flexibility: Intervertebral symphyses allow bending, twisting, and compression of the vertebral column while protecting the spinal cord.

    • Pelvic expansion: The pubic symphysis loosens under the influence of hormones like relaxin during pregnancy, allowing safe passage during childbirth.

    • Height maintenance: Intervertebral discs contribute to overall height and slightly compress throughout the day with activity.

    6. Clinical Significance

    Symphyses are involved in several clinical conditions:

    • Degenerative disc disease:

      • Intervertebral discs may lose hydration and elasticity with age, leading to pain, reduced flexibility, and nerve compression.

    • Herniated disc:

      • Protrusion of the nucleus pulposus through the annulus fibrosus in intervertebral symphyses, potentially compressing spinal nerves.

    • Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD):

      • Common during pregnancy due to increased ligament laxity; causes pain in the pubic area and difficulty with walking or climbing stairs.

    • Ankylosis:

      • Fusion of the symphysis, either due to age (e.g., manubriosternal joint) or disease (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis).

    • Inflammatory conditions:

      • Symphysitis or inflammation of a symphysis joint can cause localized pain, such as osteitis pubis seen in athletes or post-surgery patients.

    Did you know? The humerus is the largest bone in the arm.