Schindylesis

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Schindylesis is a type of joint in the human body. It is a type of fibrous joint where the articulating bones fit into each other in a manner similar to a mortise and tenon joint in carpentry. The term "schindylesis" comes from the Greek word "schindyleo", which means "to cleave".

The most notable example of a schindylesis joint in the human body is the Pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone with the vomer at the roof of the nasal cavity. This joint allows for very limited movement, which is typical of fibrous joints.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The schindylesis joint is characterized by the articulating bones fitting into each other. This is similar to a mortise and tenon joint in carpentry, where a projection on one piece of wood fits into a groove on another piece of wood. In the case of the schindylesis joint, the articulating bones are held together by fibrous tissue, which allows for very limited movement.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the schindylesis joint is to provide stability. Due to the nature of the joint, movement is very limited. This is beneficial in areas of the body where stability is more important than mobility, such as the roof of the nasal cavity.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Due to the limited movement of the schindylesis joint, it is not commonly associated with joint-related disorders. However, trauma or disease can potentially affect the joint, leading to conditions such as ankylosis, which is the fusion of the joint, resulting in loss of mobility.

See also[edit | edit source]

Schindylesis Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD