MSK Module II Flashcards
Components of a synovial joint?
-Joint capsule (fibrous joint capsule: articular layer, synovial membrane: inner layer)
-Joint space (cavity)
-Synovial fluid
-Articular cartilage
What kind of cells are found in the synovial membrane?
Type A and Type B cells
Role of Type A cells in synovial membrane?
Immune function: secrete immunoglobulins, secrete lysosomal enzymes, contain macrophages that ingest debris
Role of Type B cells in synovial membrane?
Synovial fluid production:
Secretion of
-HA (hyaluronic acid)
-Glycoaminoglycan “gel” to improve viscosity of synovial fluid
-Lubricating glycoproteins (lubricin: reduces friction in joint)
What structure is enclosed by a capsule filled with synovial fluid?
Joint space (cavity)
What is synovial fluid?
Clear, viscous fluid that contains: hyaluronic acid and lubricin, proteinases, and collagenases
What is the function of synovial fluid?
Lubrication for joint surfaces to create “frictionless” surfaces between bones
What are the thixotropic properties of synovial fluid?
Viscosity varying inversely with velocity of movement:
-Rest: resists movement of joint
-Movement: provides less resistance
What is the thin covering on the ends of most bones?
Articular cartilage
Function of articular cartilage?
Reduces friction, absorbs/disperses compressive force
How much of the articular cartilage is made up of water?
60-80%
How much of the articular cartilage is made up of proteoglycans?
10-20%
How much of the articular cartilage is made up of collagen fibers?
10-20%
How much of the articular cartilage is made up of chondrocytes (chondroblasts)?
2%
Function of chondrocytes (chondroblasts) in articular cartilage?
Produce and maintain the extra-cellular matrix, secrete components needed to maintain matrix turnover (enzymes, collagen, PGs, etc.)
Function of collagen fibers in articular cartilage?
Role in regulating fluid flow in/out of cartilage, arranged to absorb mechanical stress
What kind of collagen fibers are found in articular cartilage?
Type 2 collagen
Function of proteoglycans in articular cartilage?
Regulate fluid flow in/out of cartilage
What do proteoglycans in articular cartilage consist of?
Hyaluronic acid & proteins that anchor glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin and keratin sulfate) to hyaluronic acid
What regulates water content in articular cartilage?
PGs, proteins, collagen
Zone of cartilage that has a smooth surface, reduces friction of the joint surface, and is without blood supply?
Zone 1 (superficial zone)
Zones of cartilage that are transitional, absorb compressive forces, and are without blood supply?
Zones 2 & 3 (middle and deep layers)
Zone of cartilage that is an interface between uncalcified and calcified layers?
Tidemark
Zone of cartilage that is calcified, anchors the cartilage to bone, and has blood supply?
Zone 4 (calcified cartilage layer)
Function of articular cartilage as a whole?
-Provides smooth/frictionless surface for joint movement
-Absorbs and disperses everyday compressive forces passing through joint to underlying bone
Articular health/function requires consistent matrix balance between what?
Anabolic and catabolic stimuli
What allows nutrients to pass in and out of articular cartilage/reach the chondrocytes?
Repetitive loading/unloading of compressive forces
What activity pushes fluid (water/synovial fluid) out of the cartilage?
Weight bearing: fluid flow slows/resistance becomes harder when cartilage is compressed
What activity pulls fluid back into the cartilage matrix (acts like a sponge)?
Non-weight bearing forces: proteoglycans, proteins & collagen can regulate fluid flow in/out of cartilage
What maintains articular cartilage matrix homeostasis/turnover?
Cytokine signaling/enzymes, hormones, mechanical stimuli
How does anabolic cytokine signaling/enzymes help maintain articular cartilage matrix homeostasis/turnover?
Chondrocytes will secrete enzymes and anti-inflammatory cytokines to promote in-matrix homeostasis (anabolic)
How does catabolic cytokine signaling/enzymes help maintain articular cartilage matrix homeostasis/turnover?
Chondrocytes may secrete/synovial fluid may contain enzymes & pro-inflammatory cytokines which inhibit in-matrix homeostasis (catbolic)
How do hormones help maintain articular cartilage matrix homeostasis/turnover?
Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) stimulate chondrocytes/play a role in regulating matrix turnover (anabolic signaling)
How does mechanical load help maintain articular cartilage matrix homeostasis/turnover?
Normal weight bearing of daily activity: required to maintain matrix homeostasis (anabolic signaling)
Does articular cartilage have direct blood supply?
No
What parts of the articular cartilage do have blood supply?
Subchondral bone below cartilage, tidemark, joint capsule