When discussing synostosis, it’s important to understand what this term means. Synostosis refers to the fusion of two bones, typically where a joint should be. This process can occur in various types of joints.
Looking at the options provided:
- a) Synovial joint only – Synovial joints are typically characterized by a fluid-filled joint cavity and are not prone to fusing in the way synostosis describes.
- b) Symphysis only – A symphysis is a type of cartilaginous joint, and while these can ossify, it is not the most common occurrence for synostosis.
- c) Suture only – Sutures are the fibrous joints found in the skull which, over time, can indeed fuse together, but they are not the only joints that can do so.
- d) Synchondrosis only – A synchondrosis is a cartilaginous joint that can also become ossified. However, like sutures, they are not solely responsible for synostosis.
- e) Both suture and synchondrosis – This option recognizes that both sutures and synchondroses can undergo synostosis with age or due to pathological conditions.
The correct answer is e) both suture and synchondrosis. Both types of joints are known to undergo this process, particularly in a natural aging context or certain medical conditions that promote bone fusion.