Final answer:
The classification of a joint as bony, fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial indicates the type of connective tissue involved and the presence of a joint cavity, which dictates the joint's range of motion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Structural Classification of Joints
The classification of a joint as bony, fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial describes the types of connections between the adjoining bones within the body. Fibrous joints are where the bones are directly connected by fibrous connective tissue, allowing for little to no movement. Examples are sutures in the skull. Cartilaginous joints involve bones joined by cartilage, providing limited movement and include synchondroses and symphyses. Synovial joints feature a fluid-filled joint cavity between the bones, enabling a wide range of movements, such as gliding, angular, and rotational movements. The structural differences among these joints relate to the material connecting the bones and whether a joint cavity is present.