What is a synovial joint?

A synovial joint is a freely movable joint in which the bone ends are separated by a fluid-filled cavity enclosed within a capsule.

What is the joint capsule, and what does it do?

The capsule is a sleeve of tough fibrous tissue that surrounds the whole joint and is continuous with the periosteum of both bones, and it holds the bones together and encloses the joint cavity.

Give three functions of synovial fluid.

Synovial fluid lubricates the joint so that the surfaces slide with almost no friction, it cushions the joint against sudden shocks, and it supplies the articular cartilage with oxygen and nutrients while carrying its wastes away.

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Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy: Joints

The structure of a synovial joint

3 things to know
Component 3

Overview

Synovial joint, joint capsule and synovial membrane.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What covers the ends of the bones in a synovial joint, and what type of cartilage is it?

Key term

What would happen at a joint if its articular cartilage were lost?

Key term

What is the synovial membrane, and what does it secrete?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is a synovial joint?
Model answer
A synovial joint is a freely movable joint in which the bone ends are separated by a fluid-filled cavity enclosed within a capsule.
2
What covers the ends of the bones in a synovial joint, and what type of cartilage is it?
Model answer
The bone ends are capped by articular cartilage, which is hyaline cartilage.
3
What would happen at a joint if its articular cartilage were lost?
Model answer
The bare bone surfaces would grind directly against one another, producing friction, pain and grating, and the exposed bone would be worn away and deformed.
4
What is the joint capsule, and what does it do?
Model answer
The capsule is a sleeve of tough fibrous tissue that surrounds the whole joint and is continuous with the periosteum of both bones, and it holds the bones together and encloses the joint cavity.
5
What is the synovial membrane, and what does it secrete?
Model answer
The synovial membrane is the thin layer lining the inside of the capsule, and it secretes synovial fluid into the joint cavity.
6
Give three functions of synovial fluid.
Model answer
Synovial fluid lubricates the joint so that the surfaces slide with almost no friction, it cushions the joint against sudden shocks, and it supplies the articular cartilage with oxygen and nutrients while carrying its wastes away.

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