Which joints are formed by endochondral ossification in the skull?

Which joints are formed by endochondral ossification in the skull?

• A. Sutures
• B. Gomphoses
• C. Syndesmoses
• D. Synchondroses

Answer: (D)

In the skull, growth at the base involves endochondral ossification, which creates cartilaginous joints between the bones. These joints are called synchondroses, and they are joined by hyaline cartilage that is eventually replaced by bone as growth occurs. That cartilaginous, endochondral basis is what sets synchondroses apart from the other skull joints. Sutures, for example, are fibrous joints between calvarial bones formed by intramembranous ossification and later fuse as the skull expands. Gomphoses and syndesmoses are also fibrous joints, not cartilaginous, and involve teeth or ligamentous connections between bones.

In the skull, growth at the base involves endochondral ossification, which creates cartilaginous joints between the bones. These joints are called synchondroses, and they are joined by hyaline cartilage that is eventually replaced by bone as growth occurs. That cartilaginous, endochondral basis is what sets synchondroses apart from the other skull joints. Sutures, for example, are fibrous joints between calvarial bones formed by intramembranous ossification and later fuse as the skull expands. Gomphoses and syndesmoses are also fibrous joints, not cartilaginous, and involve teeth or ligamentous connections between bones.