Synovial sac

Synovial Sac

The Synovial Sac, also known as a bursa, is a small fluid-filled sac located between bones, muscles, tendons, and joints. They are found throughout the body and serve to reduce friction between moving parts in the body's joints.

Etymology

The term "synovial" is derived from the Greek word "synovia," which means "like an egg," referring to the viscous fluid found within these sacs. The term "bursa" is Latin for "purse," which describes the sac-like structure of these formations.

Structure

A synovial sac is composed of a thin, slippery pouch of synovial membrane (synovium) that secretes a lubricating synovial fluid. This fluid is similar in consistency to egg white (hence the etymology), and it serves to reduce friction between bodily structures.

Function

The primary function of the synovial sac is to reduce friction between adjacent moving structures. This is achieved by the synovial fluid within the sac, which lubricates and cushions during movement. Synovial sacs are particularly important in joints, where they prevent the wear and tear of movement on bones and cartilage.

Related Terms

• Synovial Joint: A type of joint that is surrounded by a thick flexible joint capsule, lined by synovial membrane, and filled with synovial fluid.
• Synovial Fluid: A viscous, non-Newtonian fluid found in the cavities of synovial joints. It reduces friction between the articular cartilage and other tissues in joints to lubricate and cushion them during movement.
• Synovial Membrane: A specialized connective tissue that lines the inner surface of capsules of synovial joints and tendon sheath.

See Also

• Joint
• Tendon
• Cartilage

References

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