| Synovial Fluid |
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Information AboutSynovial Fluid |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT SYNOVIAL FLUID | |
| body fluids | |
| skeletal system | |
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OVERVIEW The inner membrane of synovial joints is called the Synovial Membrane , which secretes synovial fluid into the joint cavity. This fluid forms a thin layer (approximately 50 Micrometre s) at the surface of cartilage, but also seeps into the articular cartilage filling any empty space {Link without Title} . The fluid within articular cartilage effectively serves as a synovial fluid reserve. During normal movements, the synovial fluid held within the cartilage is squeezed out mechanically (so-called ''weeping lubrication'') to maintain a layer of fluid on the cartilage surface. COMPOSITION Normal synovial fluid contains 3-4 mg/ml Hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid), a polymer of Disaccharide s composed of D-glucuronic acid and D-N-acetyl Glucosamine joined by alternating beta-1,4 and beta-1,3 Glycosidic Bond s Hyaluronan is synthesized by the synovial membrane and secreted into the joint cavity to increase the viscosity and elasticity of articular cartilages and lubricate the surfaces between synovium and cartilage [http://www.orthop.washington.edu/arthritis/general/joints/04 . Synovial fluid also contains Lubricin secreted by synovial cells. It is chiefly responsible for so-called boundary-layer lubrication, which reduces friction between opposing surfaces of cartilage. There is also some evidence that it helps regulate synovial cell growth {Link without Title} . HEALTH AND DISEASE Classification Synovial fluid can be classified into normal, noninflammatory, inflammatory, septic, and hemorrhagic: Pathology Many synovial fluid types are associated with specific diagnoses [http://www.rheumatology.org/publications/primarycare/number6/hrh0033698.asp?aud=mem :
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