Sinoviale

Sinoviale is an adjective related to the synovial membrane, synovial fluid, or structures associated with the synovial joints. In medical and anatomical contexts, sinoviale describes tissues, cells, or processes derived from or involving the synovium, which lines the inner surfaces of most joints, as well as tendon sheaths and bursae.

Anatomy and physiology

The synovial membrane consists of two main components: an intimal layer of specialized cells called synoviocytes and a subintimal vascular connective tissue layer. The intima includes macrophage-like type A synoviocytes and fibroblast-like type B synoviocytes. The membrane continuously secretes synovial fluid, a viscous, hyaluronate-rich liquid that lubricates joint surfaces, reduces friction, and supplies nutrients to avascular cartilage. The fluid also contains lubricin and various proteins and enzymes that participate in immune surveillance and waste removal.

Functions

Synovial tissue and fluid support joint mobility, absorb mechanical shocks, and maintain joint health by providing lubrication, nourishment to cartilage, and immune protection. The health of the synovial lining is essential for normal joint function; inflammation of the synovium, or synovitis, can disrupt lubrication and cartilage integrity.

Clinical relevance

Synovial pathology is central to many joint disorders. Synovitis occurs in inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, as well as in infectious arthritis. PVNS (pigmented villonodular synovitis) and synovial chondromatosis are disorders involving abnormal synovial proliferation. Diagnosis often involves imaging (ultrasound, MRI) and analysis of synovial fluid obtained by joint aspiration.

Treatment

Management targets the underlying cause and may include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or surgical procedures such as synovectomy in selected cases.