Which joint type is exemplified by the mandibular symphysis and intervertebral discs?

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

Answer: (C)

Cartilaginous joints are connected by cartilage and lack a joint cavity, allowing limited movement. The mandibular symphysis is a symphysis joined by fibrocartilage, and the intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous cushions between adjacent vertebral bodies. Both are bound by cartilage rather than a fatty synovial capsule, and they do not form a synovial cavity, which is why they fit the cartilaginous category. This contrasts with fibrous joints, which are bound by fibrous tissue and are typically immobile, and with synovial joints, which have a fluid-filled cavity and a synovial capsule. A bony fusion would be a completely fused joint, not the case here.