Q. 19 - Biology

Question

A high ankle sprain is an injury caused by over-stretching the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula. What type of joint is involved in this sprain? 

1. ball and socket 
2. gomphosis 
3. syndesmosis  
4. symphysis 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct answer is option (c)

The ligaments securing the tibia and fibula together are overstretched, leading to a high ankle sprain. 

This sprain involves a type of joint called a syndesmosis. 

Syndesmosis

• A strong membrane or ligaments connect two nearby bones to form a fibrous joint known as a syndesmosis.
• Syndesmosis, a term that usually refers to the joint itself, is also used to describe these ligaments. 
• The forearm's radius and ulna and the leg's tibia have syndesmosis between them (tibia and fibula).

Step: 1 Explanation for Correct answer

• A ligament capsule surrounds synovial joints, which are lubricated by a substance called synovium. 
• The tibia meets the talus bone at the ankle synovial joint, where the ankle syndesmosis is located. 
• An ankle sprain involves the ligaments that connect the distal tibia and fibula together at the Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis. Thus, option c is correct. 

Step: 2 Explanation for incorrect answer

• Backward, forward, sideways, and rotational movements are all possible at joints with a ball and socket, including the shoulder joint. So, option a is wrong.
• A fibrous movable peg-and-socket joint is called a gomphosis. when the teeth are firmly set in the alveolar borders' sockets. So, option b is wrong as well.
• Secondary cartilaginous joints made of fibrocartilage are known as a symphysis. 
• They are all located in the skeletal midline and are referred to as amphiarthroses because they only permit minimal movement. Hence, option d is wrong too.