Final answer:
The correct option is c. The joint between the teeth and the mandibular alveolus is an example of a gomphosis. This specialized fibrous joint is known for anchoring the tooth in its socket, held in place by the periodontal ligament.
Step-by-step explanation:
The joint between the teeth and the mandibular alveolus is an example of a gomphosis. A gomphosis is a specialized fibrous joint that acts as a type of peg-and-socket joint, anchoring the root of a tooth into its bony socket within the maxillary bone (upper jaw) or mandible bone (lower jaw) of the skull. The tooth is held in place by the periodontal ligament, which is a dense connective tissue.
Gomphosis joints are known for their immobility and are classified functionally as a synarthrosis. This contrasts with other types of fibrous joints like sutures, which occur only in the skull, and syndesmoses, which allow for more movement like in the joint of the tibia and fibula in the ankle. Unlike these other fibrous joints, a gomphosis is specific to teeth and their sockets.
In summary, when categorizing the joint type, the correct option is c. gomphosis.