Synovial joint

• Note that in this slide the joint may be too immature to allow specific articular cartilage to be clearly distinguished as shown in the figures.
• Pay particular attention to the synovium, or synovial membrane, which is diagnostic for this type of joint.

What type of tissue is the synovium and what is its function?

What feature(s) of a synovial joint often decrease with age, requiring the joint to be replaced with a artificial joint?

Clinical note: Articular cartilage normally begins to break down slowly as we age, potentially leading to inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. This process can be inhibited by regular exercise and full use of the joints because recurrent pressure on the cartilage and other parts of joints improves tissue maintenance. Injection of hyaluronan solution into the synovial cavity is a routine treatment for severe arthritis. Dietary supplementation with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine has also been shown to slow progression of arthritis. Click the image for a bigger view.

Intervertebral joints

• Understand the relationship to the fibrocartilage and the periosteum of the vertebral bones.

Teeth are next.