National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Practice Exam

Which type of joints do not have a joint cavity or connective tissue?

1. Synovial joints

2. Nonsynovial joints

3. Cartilaginous joints

4. Ball-and-socket joints

The correct answer is: Nonsynovial joints

Nonsynovial joints are characterized by the absence of a joint cavity or synovial fluid and do not have connective tissue that allows for significant movement. These joints are solidly connected by fibrous or cartilaginous tissue, which can provide stability but limits mobility. For example, fibrous joints, such as sutures in the skull, allow for very little to no movement. In contrast, synovial joints contain a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid, facilitating a wide range of motion. Cartilaginous joints involve cartilage that may allow for some movement but still possess a form of joint structure. Ball-and-socket joints, a subtype of synovial joints, allow for extensive movement in multiple directions but also include a joint cavity. Understanding the distinction between these types helps clarify their functional roles in the body and how they affect movement and stability during physical activities.