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Symphysis
Other Terms:
Secondary cartilaginous joint,
Symphyse
Description
This is the medial surface of the pubic body. It is an elongate oval shape, with a smooth to tough surface depending on age. As an individual ages this surface gradually becomes more rough.
Etymology
This term comes from the Greek word sumphusis denoting a growing together. This arises from the Greek sun meaning together and phuo for to grow. The term appeared in the writings of both Hippocrates and Galen. During the 16th Century English anatomists used this to describe joints that had no motion. Today we use it to describe joints united by fibrocartilage.
French
Symphyse