Fibrous joints connect two bones by means of elastic or collagen (high proportion of protein) connective tissue. Fibrous joints form, for example, interossei membranes between the calf bone (fibula) and the shin bone (tibia).
The sutures between the cranial bones of newborn babies are also fibrous joints. They contain connective tissue, which recedes completely by the end of the second year of life. The way the teeth are fixed in the jaw is referred to as gomphosis. The tooth is held in place in the tooth socket by taut connective tissue.

Cartilaginous joints are permanent bone connections. A distinction is made between cartilaginous joints and fibrous cartilaginous joints.
A cartilaginous joint is composed of hyaline cartilage. Examples are the connection between the first, sixth and seventh rib (costa) and the breastbone (sternum). A fibrous cartilaginous joint is composed of fibrous cartilage and connective tissue. Examples of this are the pubic symphysis and the intervertebral disks.

Synovial joints permit a large degree of movement. For this reason they are also termed freely mobile joints. This type of joint consists of at least two articular bodies. They are covered with cartilage. This way the two articular bodies - the articular cavity and the articular head can glide against or over each other.
The articular capsule is joined directly to the articular surfaces. It consists of two layers containing nervous fibers and blood vessels and is reinforced on the outside by strong lateral ligaments. In addition, synovia is constantly produced by the inner skin of the articular capsule, making it easier for the articular bodies to glide.

Please click on the image below to view an animation on the overview of joints.

Structure of a joint