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bursa
Tuesday 4 April 2017
synovial bursa
| WKP |
Definition: A bursa (plural bursae or bursas) is a small fluid-filled sac lined by synovial membrane with an inner capillary layer of viscous synovial fluid (similar in consistency to that of a raw egg white). It provides a cushion between bones and tendons and/or muscles around a joint. This helps to reduce friction between the bones and allows free movement. Bursae are found around most major joints of the body.
Structure
There are four types of bursa :
adventitious bursa
subcutaneous bursa
synovial bursa
sub-muscular bursa
Among these, only adventitious is non-native.
When any surface of the body is subjected to repeated stress, an adventitious bursa develops under it. Examples are student elbow and bunion.
Pathology
The general term for disease of bursae is "bursopathy."
Infection or irritation of a bursa leads to bursitis (inflammation of a bursa).
bursitis
- chronic bursitis : hygroma
