The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
All other sections in this Literature Study Guide are owned and copyrighted by BookRags, Inc.
There are three different types of fibrous or cartilaginous joints. These particular joints are characterized by having no joint capsule and little if any possibility of movement. Sutures and are formed from fibrous tissue that permits the continued growth of bones that eventually ossify (bone formation). The easiest way to remember them is they are the ones that unite the bones of the skull and their status is frequently used to determine age.
More important clinically are the syndesmosis joints. This kind of fibrous joint joins skeletal structures that are located relatively far apart and are united by ligaments. With ageing or after a trauma, these fibrous tissues tend to ossify and form bone-like structures that link two bones that are not supposed to be joined. Examples of this fibrous union can occur between the radius and the ulna as well as the tibia and fibula after a fracture. The third type of fibrous joint is called gomphoses. Likened to a peg and socket, these joints are seen between teeth and jaw and are maintained by the periodontal ligament, which gives only a little to act as a shock absorber. As they join the teeth to the tooth socket, any changes in their status are used to clinically evaluate periodontal disease.