ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site synovial fluid Hip joint, showing location of synovial fluid Credit: UAB Health System A clear, viscuous fluid with a stringy, egg-like consistency (the Latin synovium means "with egg") found in synovial (freely-moveable) joint cavities, bursae, and tendon sheaths. Synovial fluid acts as a lubricant, reducing the friction between articular cartilage and other tissues in joints, and also as a shock absorber during movement. It is secreted by synovial membranes. The viscous and elastic properties of synovial fluid are due to hyaluronan, a long chain glycosaminoglycan carbohydrate with a molecular mass of about 1 million. Related category    • ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP