Definition

1. Noun:
   • A viscous lubricating fluid: Synovial fluid is a thick, slippery liquid secreted by the synovial membrane. Its primary function is to reduce friction between the articular cartilage of synovial joints during movement.

Usage

• Synovial fluid is contained within the joint cavity.
• It is essential for joint health, providing lubrication and nourishment to the cartilage.
• A loss or change in the quality of synovial fluid can contribute to joint disorders like arthritis.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor extracted a sample of synovial fluid from the patient's knee to test for infection.
  • Healthy synovial fluid has a viscous, egg-white-like consistency that allows for smooth joint motion.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Analysis: The examination of synovial fluid, known as synovial fluid analysis, is a common diagnostic procedure for joint diseases.
  • The lab results from the synovial fluid analysis confirmed the presence of gout crystals.

Variants and Related Words

• Synovium (n): The synovial membrane that lines the joint capsule and secretes the synovial fluid.
  • Inflammation of the synovium is called synovitis.
• Synovial Joint (n): A type of joint that is surrounded by a joint capsule containing synovial fluid; also known as a diarthrosis.
  • The knee and shoulder are examples of synovial joints.

Synonyms

• Joint fluid: A common, less technical term for synovial fluid.
• Synovia: An older, alternative term for synovial fluid.

Related Phrases

• Synovial fluid aspiration: The medical procedure of withdrawing fluid from a joint space with a needle.
  • The orthopedic surgeon performed a synovial fluid aspiration to relieve pressure in the swollen joint.

Noun

1. viscid lubricating fluid secreted by the membrane lining joints and tendon sheaths etc.