symphysis
symphysis
Noun
pl: symphyses
This term is used exclusively within medical and anatomical contexts to describe a specific type of cartilaginous joint. It carries a neutral, clinical tone and is rarely encountered outside of healthcare, biology, or forensic science. It describes a structural union rather than a flexible joint like a hinge or pivot.
Because it refers to a specific anatomical structure, it is typically used in the singular when referring to a specific site (such as the pubic symphysis) or in the plural when discussing the general category of such joints across different species or body regions.
Meanings
Nounsymphysis
A place where two bones are joined together by fibrocartilage.
The pubic symphysis is a joint that allows for slight movement during childbirth.
Related Words
fusionuniondiastasisseparationanatomyjointcartilagefibrocartilageboneskeletonpelvispubispubic symphysismandiblechinligamentarticulationsynchondrosissyndesmosissynovialamphiarthrosissynarthrosisdiarthrosischondrocytecollagenmatrixossificationcalcificationgrowth platesuturejunctionattachmentstabilityflexibilitycompressiontensionloadstressbiomechanicsorthopedicsphysiologymorphologystructuretissueconnective tissuechondralosteologyintervertebral discnucleus pulposusannulus fibrosussacrumcoccyxpelvic girdlepregnancyparturitiondilationtraumafracturedislocationinflammationarthritischondritishealingregenerationsymmetrymidlinemedianbilateralaxial skeletonsynostosis