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synovial fluid

The thick, slippery fluid inside movable joints that lets the bones move smoothly.

sih-NOH-vee-ul FLOO-id noun

What it means

It is made by the lining of the joint (synovial membrane) and cushions and feeds the cartilage. A sample can be drawn with a needle (arthrocentesis) to look for infection, gout crystals or blood.

At a glance

Spanishlíquido sinovial

Related terms

osteoarthritis

A long-term joint disease in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears away.

rheumatoid arthritis

A long-term autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints.

musculoskeletal

Having to do with the muscles, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments.

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