What Lubricates Joints?
Synovial fluid lubricates joints. This thick, egg-white-like fluid reduces friction between the bones, allowing for smooth and efficient movement. It acts as a cushion, protecting the joint from wear and tear.
The synovial membrane, a soft tissue surrounding the joint, produces synovial fluid. This fluid's lubricating properties are crucial for joint health. Its presence minimizes friction during movement, preventing damage to the cartilage and bone. The fluid also acts as a shock absorber, protecting the joint from impact.
Several sources confirm the role of synovial fluid in joint lubrication:
- Verywell Health: Describes synovial fluid as a thick fluid with an egg-white-like consistency that lubricates and reduces friction between joints. https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-increase-synovial-fluid-5114374
- Baptist Health: Highlights synovial fluid as a key component of healthy, lubricated joints. https://baptistjax.com/juice/stories/orthopedics-bones-muscles/8-ways-to-keep-your-joints-healthy/
- WebMD: Explains that cartilage, synovium, and synovial fluid cushion joints to prevent bone-on-bone rubbing. https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/caring-your-joints
- Arthritis Foundation: Compares synovial fluid to "oil in an engine," highlighting its lubricating function within the joint. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/getting-started/8-ways-exercise-helps-joints
- NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information): Emphasizes synovial fluid's role as a lubricating and shock-absorbing layer within synovial joints. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3967437/ and https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4951194/
- Johns Hopkins Medicine & University of Rochester Medical Center: Both sources confirm that the synovial membrane secretes synovial fluid to lubricate the joint. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/anatomy-of-a-joint and https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=P00044
