Which category of joints consists of inflexible layers of dense connective tissue that hold bones tightly together?

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

Answer: (A)

When bones are bound together by layers of dense connective tissue with no joint cavity, the joint is fibrous. Those thick collagen-rich connections, like sutures between skull bones or teeth sockets (gomphoses), tightly hold bones in place and limit movement. The absence of a fluid-filled joint space means they’re essentially immovable or only slightly movable.

This fits the description of fibrous joints best. In contrast, synovial joints have a joint cavity and synovial fluid, allowing wide movement; cartilaginous joints are bridged by cartilage between bones; and bony joints occur when bones fuse into a single bone.