Word parts
What it means
The most common kind of joint, such as the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and finger joints. The ends of the bones are covered with smooth cartilageKAR-tih-lijFirm, smooth, rubbery tissue that cushions joints and gives shape to parts such as the ear, nose and windpipe.chondr/o cartilageFull entry , and a capsule lined with a membrane makes synovial fluidsih-NOH-vee-ul FLOO-idThe thick, slippery fluid inside movable joints that lets the bones move smoothly.Full entry , which lets the bones glide. Arthritis damages these joints: osteoarthritis wears away the cartilage, and rheumatoid arthritis inflames the lining.
At a glance
| Spanish | articulación sinovial |
|---|---|
| Also written | synovial joints |
Related terms
range of motion
How far a joint can move in each of its normal directions, and the exercises that move joints through it.
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.
cartilage
Firm, smooth, rubbery tissue that cushions joints and gives shape to parts such as the ear, nose and windpipe.
synovial fluid
The thick, slippery fluid inside movable joints that lets the bones move smoothly.