What is an example of a cartilaginous joint?

A cartilaginous joint is a type of joint where the bones are connected by cartilage, allowing for limited movement and providing stability. The disks between the vertebrae serve as perfect examples of cartilaginous joints. These intervertebral disks consist primarily of cartilage and act as shock absorbers, permitting slight movement to maintain flexibility in the spine while also providing structural support.

In contrast, other joint types do not fit the definition of a cartilaginous joint. For instance, the joints in the hands, known as synovial joints, allow for a greater range of motion and are characterized by a fluid-filled joint capsule. The sutures of the skull are classified as fibrous joints, where the bones are tightly bound together and allow for no movement. Lastly, the connection points in the pelvic girdle involve both fibrous and cartilaginous joints, but the specific example of the pelvic joints primarily involves bony fusion or synostosis in adults. Thus, the disks between the vertebrae stand out as the quintessential example of a cartilaginous joint.