Synovial Joints

Synovial Joints

joints in which the articulating bone ends are separated by a joint cavity containing synovial fluid

Joint (articular) cavity

A space between the articulat-ing bones that contains a small amount of synovial fluid

Articular cartilage

Hyaline cartilage that covers the surfaces of the bones forming the joint

Articular capsule

Two layers that enclose the joint cavity; The tough external layer is the fibrous layer composed of dense irregular connective tissue; the inner layer is the synovial membrane composed of loose connective tissue

Synovial fluid

A viscous fluid located in the joint cavity and the articular cartilage; acts as a lubricant, reducing friction