Question

in a few synovial joints, ______ grows inward from the joint capsule and forms a pad between the articulating bones.

bursa
meniscus
tendon
fibrocartilage

Explanation:

Analyze the question stem

The question asks for the specific tissue or structure that grows inward from the joint capsule in a few synovial joints to form a pad between the articulating bones.

Evaluate the options

Using the Synovial Joints knowledge point:

• Bursa: A fluid-filled sac outside the joint cavity, not an inward growth of the capsule forming an articular pad.
• Meniscus: A specific crescent-shaped pad found in the knee, which is made of fibrocartilage, but the question asks for the general material/tissue that grows inward in "a few synovial joints" (which includes articular discs in other joints like the temporomandibular joint).
• Tendon: Dense regular connective tissue connecting muscle to bone, not a pad inside the joint capsule.
• Fibrocartilage: The structural tissue type that grows inward from the joint capsule to form these shock-absorbing pads (articular discs or menisci) between articulating bones.

Confirm the correct choice

The question asks for the general substance/tissue that grows inward. Fibrocartilage is the correct tissue type that forms these pads (such as menisci or articular discs) in synovial joints.

Answer:

• Bursa
• Meniscus
• Tendon
• Fibrocartilage (Correct answer)