Which skull joints are classified as synovial joints?

The atlantooccipital and temporomandibular joints are classified as synovial joints due to their structure and function. Synovial joints are characterized by a synovial cavity filled with fluid, which provides lubrication, reduces friction during movement, and allows for a greater range of motion.

The atlantooccipital joint, located between the atlas (the first cervical vertebra) and the occipital bone of the skull, allows for nodding movements of the head, such as saying "yes." Its synovial structure facilitates smooth movement and provides cushioning.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), where the mandible meets the temporal bone of the skull, is crucial for movements involved in chewing and speaking. The synovial nature of this joint allows for complex movements, including gliding and rotation.

Other options refer to joints that are primarily fibrous in nature, such as the sagittal and coronal sutures, which are immovable joints and do not provide the range of motion characteristic of synovial joints. The squamosal and lambdoidal sutures, like the former, are also classified as fibrous joints where the bones are tightly bound by sutural ligaments. Similarly, the