symphysis

symphysis /sym·phy·sis/ (sim´fĭ-sis) pl. sym´physes   [Gr.] fibrocartilaginous joint; a type of joint in which the apposed bony surfaces are firmly united by a plate of fibrocartilage.

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pubic symphysis  the line of union of the bodies of the pubic bones in the median plane.

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sym·phy·sis (smf-ss)

n. pl. sym·phy·ses (-sz)

1. A form of cartilaginous joint in which union between two bones is effected by fibrocartilage without a synovial membrane.

2. A union, meeting point, or commissure of two structures.

3. A growing together of bones originally separate, as of the two pubic bones.

4. A line or junction thus formed.

5. A pathological adhesion or growing together.

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symphysis

[sim′fəsis] pl. symphyses

Etymology: Gk, growing together

1 also called fibrocartilaginous joint. A line of union, especially a cartilaginous joint in which adjacent bony surfaces are firmly united by fibrocartilage.

2 

Usage notes: informal.

symphysis pubis. symphysic, adj.

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symphysis (sim´fisis),

n a line of union between two bony surfaces such as the symphysis of the mandible.

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symphysis

pl. symphyses [Gr.] a type of joint in which the apposed bony surfaces are firmly united by a plate of fibrocartilage or cartilage; e.g. intermandibular joint, pelvic symphysis. There is usually cartilage against each bone and fibrous tissue or fibrocartilage in the middle.

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ischiatic symphysis

the line of fusion between the bodies of the ischia.

mandibular symphysis

the joint between the two halves of the mandible which allows each half to rotate, as in the jaws of the dog, cat, ruminants and many other species, is a cartilaginous symphysis. In the jaws of horses and pigs the mandibles are fused together.

pelvic symphysis

the combined pubic and ischiatic symphyses, a cartilaginous symphysis.

pubic symphysis, symphysis pubis

the line of union of the bodies of the pubic bones in the median plane.