Synovial Bursa

Synovial Bursa

Define a synovial bursa and mention its types.
Answer.

The synovial bursa (bursa = purse) is a closed sac of synovial membrane filled with a capillary film of a synovial fluid. The bursae are supported by an irregular connective tissue. They reduce friction between two mobile units to permit free movement.

Types Of Synovial Bursa

According to the location, the synovial bursae are classified into the following types:

• Subcutaneous, between skin and bone, e.g. prepatellar bursa and subcutaneous infrapatellar bursa.
• Submuscular, between muscle and bone, e.g. bursa deep to medial head of gastrocnemius.
• Subtendinous, between tendon and bone, e.g. trochanteric bursa of gluteus medius.
• Subfascial, between fascia and bone.
• Interligamentous, between ligaments.