Final answer:
A gomphosis is a fibrous joint where the root of a tooth is anchored to its socket in the jaw by periodontal ligaments. This joint is essentially immobile or slightly movable, providing a strong connection between bones.
Step-by-step explanation:
A gomphosis is a fibrous joint. Fibrous joints, such as sutures, gomphoses, and syndesmoses, are where adjacent bones are strongly united by fibrous connective tissue. In a gomphosis, the root of a tooth is anchored across a narrow gap by periodontal ligaments to the walls of its socket in the bony jaw. These types of joints provide strong connections between bones and are essentially immobile or slightly movable.