Dictionary > Synovial fluid

Synovial fluid

Definition
noun
A clear, viscid fluid in the synovial joints and secreted by the membrane that lines the joints
Supplement
The synovial joints are the joints that line opposing bony surfaces. The general components of a synovial joint are the joint capsule, a layer of articular cartilage, and a synovial cavity. The synovial cavity is the space between the opposing bones. This cavity is filled with a transparent, viscid fluid called synovial fluid (also referred to as synovia). This fluid comes from the inner layer of the joint capsule called the synovial membrane.
The synovial fluid is composed largely of hyaluronic acid and lubricin. It also contains phagocytic cells. Hyaluronic acid is a linear mucopolysaccharide. It is a non-sulphated glycosaminoglycan that provides lubrication and increases viscosity of articular cartilages. It is produced and released by the fibroblast-like type B cells of the synovial membrane. The lubricin is another lubricating substance released by surface chondrocytes of the articular cartilage. It helps provide boundary-layer lubrication. The phagocytic cells in the synovial fluid carry out the role of removing cellular debris and microbes in the fluid.
The functions of synovial fluid are to lubricate the articulating joints, to supply nutrients and oxygen, and to remove metabolic wastes.
Synonym(s):

  • synovia

See also:

  • synovial joint
  • synovial membrane
  • hyaluronic acid
  • transcellular fluid


  • You will also like...

    Physical growth
    Physical Development in Humans

    This tutorial elaborates on the physical development of humans, particularly from puberty to adulthood. Read this tutori..

    Community Patterns

    Learn about community patterns and the ecological factors influencing these patterns. Revisit some of the ecosystems you..

    Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung
    Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung

    In this tutorial, the works of Carl Gustav Jung and Sigmund Freud are described. Both of them actively pursued the way h..

    Human perception in action
    Human Perception – Neurology

    This tutorial investigates perception as two people can interpret the same thing differently. Know more about human perc..

    squirrel
    Animal Water Regulation

    Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..

    Chemical composition of the body
    Chemical Composition of the Body

    The body is comprised of different elements with hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen as the major four. This tutorial..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics