last updated 18-03-2024

Synovial joint

Synovial joint

A synovial joint is a joint in which the opposing bone surfaces are covered by cartilage and separated by a free space filled with a small quantity of synovial fluid produced by synovial membrane.

Synovial fluid contains nutrients for the cartilage (which is not vascularised and is provided with nutrition by diffusion) and serves as a joint lubricant. The synovial membrane is normally a one cell layer thin inner cover of the joint capsule. It is well vascularised, but poorly innervated. The joint is surrounded by a capsule.

In synovitis such as in rheumatoid arthritis, synovial fluid may be abundant and clearly detectable on physical examination.

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The function of synovial fluid is