Synovial bursa

"Bursae" redirects here. For other uses, see Bursa (disambiguation).
Synovial Bursa

Typical joint

Within the knee joint: bursae visible top right and bottom right
Details
Identifiers
Latin bursa synovialis
MeSH Bursa,+Synovial
Code TH H3.03.00.0.00039
Dorlands
/Elsevier		 b_27/12201211
TA A03.0.00.039
FMA 9692

Anatomical terminology

A bursa (plural bursae or bursas) is a small fluid-filled sac lined by synovial membrane with an inner capillary layer of viscous fluid (similar in consistency to that of a raw egg white). It provides a cushion between bones and tendons and/or muscles around a joint. This helps to reduce friction between the bones and allows free movement. Bursae are filled with synovial fluid and are found around most major joints of the body.

Structure

There are four types of bursa: adventitious, subcutaneous, synovial, and sub-muscular. Among these, only adventitious is non-native. When any surface of the body is subjected to repeated stress, an adventitious bursa develops under it. Examples are Students' elbow and bunion.

Clinical significance

Infection or irritation of a bursa leads to bursitis (inflammation of a bursa). The general term for disease of bursae is "bursopathy".

History

Etymology

Bursa is Latin for purse, so named for the resemblance of an anatomical bursa to a purse. Bursae or bursas is its plural form.

See also

External links

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