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Morphology and function of normal synovial membrane
 
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Online publication date: 2012-12-21
 
 
Reumatologia 2012;50(6):501-506
 
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ABSTRACT
Synovial membrane produces and absorbs the components of synovial fluid and is responsible for nutrition and lubrication of articular cartilage. It is composed of a synovial lining and highly vascularized subsynovium. The synovial lining, also called the synovial intima, consists of two types of synoviocytes: macrophage-like type A cells and fibroblast-like B cells (Fig. 1). Derived from bone marrow, type A synoviocytes are responsible for absorption and degradation of pathogens and waste from the joint cavity. Locally derived type B synoviocytes contains unique cytoplasmic, irregular, dendritic processes. They are responsible for production of extracellular matrix components. They control the quality of the synovial fluid with the use of processes and regulate its properties: viscosity and ability to lubricate articular cartilage surfaces via hyaluronic acid and lubricin synthesis.
 
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