Joints, synovial fluid and cartilage Flashcards
What is an identifiable feature of fibrous joints?
Fibrous connective tissue (collagen fibres) between bones
What is an identifiable feature of primary cartilaginous joints?
Only hyaline cartilage between bones
What is an identifiable feature of secondary cartilaginous joints?
Hyaline and fibrocartilage
What are some identifiable features of synovial joints?
Fluid filled synovial cavity
Articular (Hyaline) cartilage
Fibrous capsule
Synovial membrane
What determines joint stability?
Shape of articulating surfaces
Capsule and ligaments
Muscles
What is produced by chondrocytes in the superficial layer of articular (hyaline) cartilage?
Collagen
Glycoproteins e.g. lubricin
What is produced in the transitional layer of articular cartilage?
Proteoglycans e.g. aggrecan
What are glycoproteins?
Proteins to which oligosaccharide chains are attached
What are proteoglycans?
Proteins that are heavily glycosylated
one or more GAGs attached to protein core
What are glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)?
Long unbranched polysaccharides
Highly polar
Hydrophilic
What produces synovial fluid?
Synovial membrane
What is synovial fluid?
Viscous fluid
Hyaluronic acid
Lubricin
Fluid component from blood plasma
What are the functions of synovial fluid?
Nutrition of cartilage
Removal of waste products
Lubrication
How are joints affected by age?
Higher synovial fluid viscosity leads to slower joint movement and reduced lubrication
Reduced shock absorption due to reduced water content of cartilage
What effects does osteoarthritis have?
Bone spurs
Narrowed disc
