Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

Amphiarthroses are characterized by which feature?

1. Free movement

2. No movement

3. Slightly movable

4. Fully movable

The correct answer is: Slightly movable

Amphiarthroses are a type of joint that allow for slight movement between the bones they connect. This characteristic is crucial for various functions within the body, as these joints provide more flexibility than immovable joints while maintaining stability. The design of amphiarthroses often includes cartilaginous tissue, which gives them the ability to absorb shock and enable limited mobility, accommodating the needs of the skeletal system in areas where some flexibility is beneficial. Examples can include the joints between vertebrae in the spine or the pubic symphysis, where limited movement is necessary to allow for flexibility and motion in response to activities like walking or bending. In contrast, the other types of joints described imply levels of mobility that do not fit with the definition of amphiarthroses. Free movement refers to diarthroses, like the shoulder or knee joints, while fully or no movement pertains to synarthroses and synovial joints, respectively. Recognizing that amphiarthroses uniquely allow for this slight mobility helps to understand their role in the biomechanics of the body.