Synovium & Synovial Fluid

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Original Editor - Lucinda hampton

Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton, Kim Jackson and Kirenga Bamurange Liliane  

Introduction

Synovium (also called the synovial membrane) is a specialized connective soft-tissue membrane that lines the inner surface of synovial joint capsules. Together with bone, articular cartilage, tendon, ligament, and fibrous capsule, it is an important component of the tissues that form an integrated joint. As such, it not only has its own specific functions but also interacts with other tissues in the joint both structurally and functionally.

Synovial fluid lubricates articular cartilage and provides nourishment through diffusion. It made from a ultrafiltrate of blood plasma, produced and regulated by the synovium.

Anatomy

The synovial membrane consists of an

Intimal layer:

• Well innervated and vascularised containing different types of cells including fibroblasts, macrophages, adipocytes, nerve fibres, vascular endothelial cells as well as lymphocytes.
• Features two types of synoviocytes: type A - derived from macrophages; non-fixed cells with antigen presenting ability located in superficial layer; important in phagocytosis and fibroblastic. Type B cells - fibroblast like cells; rich rough endoplasmic reticulum and dendritic processes that reach out to the joint surface; located at various depths, frequently in deeper layer; produce synovial fluid.

Subintima layer

• Thicker layer of loose connective tissue which contains fewer cells
• Composed of fatty, fibrous or loose areolar tissue, allowing movement..

Synovial Fluid

This fluid is generated from an ultrafiltrate of blood plasma which is regulated by synovium. The purpose of this fluid is to lubricate the cartilage of the bone joint and provide nourishment through diffusion. It is made from a ultrafiltrate of blood plasma and is regulated by the synovium. eg healthy knee contains ~2mL of synovial fluid.

Consists of:

• Hyaluronin (enzyme critical for its synthesis)
• Lubricin (a key lubricating glycoprotein, reduces coefficient of friction within the joint)   
• Proteinase
• Collagenases
• Prostaglandins

Biomechanics:

• Synovial fluid exhibits non-Newtonian flow characteristics (Viscosity coefficient is not a constant; Fluid is not linearly viscous; Viscosity increases as the shear rate decreases).

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