Table of Contents
What is Synovial Fluid?
Synovial Fluid – Structure: Synovial fluid is a viscous, colorless fluid that lubricates and cushions the joints. It is produced by the synovial membrane, a thin, delicate layer of cells that lines the joint cavity. The synovial fluid contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan that helps to bind water, making the fluid thick and sticky. Therefore this helps to keep the joint surfaces well lubricated and protected.
Structure of Synovial Fluid
Synovial fluid is a viscous, colorless, and slightly alkaline lubricating fluid that bathes and cushions the movable joints of the body. However it is produced by the synovial membrane, a thin, transparent, and delicate membrane that lines the joint capsule. The synovial membrane secretes a small amount of fluid continually, and it also produces more fluid in response to joint injury or inflammation.
The fluid is rich in glycoproteins, which are proteins to which carbohydrate chains attached. These glycoproteins help to keep the fluid viscous, and they also provide a lubricating surface for the joint surfaces. The fluid also contains hyaluronic acid, a molecule that is known to important in the maintenance of joint cartilage.
Chemical Composition of Synovial Fluid
Synovial fluid is a viscous, colorless fluid that is present in the cavities of synovial joints. It produced by the synovial membrane and contains hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and proteoglycans. These molecules are responsible for the characteristic viscoelasticity of synovial fluid. Synovial fluid also contains electrolytes, lipids, and also proteins, including immunoglobulins.
Features of Synovial Joints
Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body. They found between the bones of the skeleton and they allow movement. The joint enclosed in a capsule and also the inside of the capsule filled with synovial fluid. This fluid lubricates the joint and helps to reduce friction.
Synovial joints have a variety of features that allow them to move in many different directions. These features include:
- A joint surface that covered in cartilage. This cartilage allows the joint to move smoothly.
- A joint cavity that filled with synovial fluid. Therefore this fluid lubricates the joint and helps to reduce friction.
- Bones that covered in articular cartilage. This cartilage helps to reduce friction and wear and tear on the bones.
- Ligaments that attach the bones to each other. However these ligaments help to keep the joint in place and stabilize it.
- A capsule that surrounds the joint. This capsule encloses the joint and contains the synovial fluid.
Synovial Fluid Function
Synovial fluid is a viscous, clear fluid that circulates in the joint spaces. Therefore it produced by the synovial membrane and also contains hyaluronic acid, lubricin, and chondroitin sulfate. These substances help to keep the joint surfaces lubricated and also cushion them from wear and tear.
