Читать книгу Temporomandibular Disorders - Robin J. M. Gray - Страница 17

The glistening inner surface of the capsule comprises the synovial membrane. At birth, this membrane covers all internal joint surfaces but is lost from articular surfaces as function commences. The flexibility of the inner surface of the capsule is increased by finger‐like projections (villi) of the synovial membrane which disperse the synovial fluid.

The function of the synovial membrane is considered to be

 regulatory because it controls electrolyte balance and nutrients

 secretory via the interstitial cells

 phagocytic.

Synovial fluid is a clear, pale‐yellow, viscous solution secreted by the synovial tissues and consists mainly of an ultrafiltrate of plasma enriched with a proteoglycan‐containing hyaluronic acid synthesised by synovial cells. The high viscosity of this fluid is a result of the presence of sodium hyaluronate which provides lubrication. The synovial fluid also allows removal of degradation products from the joint space, lubrication of the joint surfaces, and nutrition of the vascular parts of the joint.