Joints

This is a flexible joint that connects bones, determining flexibility and range of motion. Each joint consists of a joint cavity, articular cartilage, and joint capsule. The joint capsule (capsula articularis) surrounds the bone ends that make up the joint. It covers all narrow gaps and seals the joint cavity (cavitas articularis). The joint capsule itself consists of two layers – outer, or fibrous tissue, and inner, or synovial membrane (stratum synoviale). The latter produces synovial fluid (synovia), which lubricates and cushions the joint surfaces to prevent them from rubbing against each other. If microorganisms enter the joint cavity, inflammation may occur (bursitis). Ligaments connect and stabilize the bone ends that make up the joint.

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė