A syndesmosis, particularly the interosseous membrane connecting the radius and ulna in the forearm or the tibia and fibula in the leg, is an example of a wide fibrous joint.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Fibrous Joints: These joints are characterized by bones that are connected by fibrous connective tissue. This type of joint allows for little to no movement.
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Syndesmosis: This is a type of fibrous joint where bones are connected by a strong interosseous membrane or ligaments. This allows for slight movement.
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Wide Fibrous Joint: In the context of a syndesmosis, the "wide" aspect refers to the broad interosseous membrane that spans a significant portion of the bone shafts.
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Radius and Ulna: The interosseous membrane between the radius and ulna in the forearm allows for pronation and supination (rotation) of the forearm.
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Tibia and Fibula: Similarly, the interosseous membrane connecting the tibia and fibula in the leg provides stability and allows for slight movement between these bones.
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Therefore, the key characteristic that makes these syndesmoses examples of wide fibrous joints is the presence of a substantial interosseous membrane connecting the bones along a considerable portion of their length.
