Synovial joint

Examine the microscopic section of a synovial joint that is on demonstration, carefully identifying all the elements labeled in Figs. 8-19 through 8-21.

• 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 cartilage type is the articular cartilage and what is its function?

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.

Why might you expect dietary supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to possibly help maintain cartilage and delay arthritis?

Intervertebral joints

• Examine Fig. 8-22 and the fibrocartilage of slide 131. Understand the relationship to the fibrocartilage and the periosteum of the vertebral bones.

What exactly is a herniated or “slipped” disk?

Why is such a condition often painful?                            Now let's consider blood cells and hemopoiesis.