Bursa (anatomy)
Encyclopedia
A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac lined by synovial membrane with an inner capillary layer of slimy 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 filled with synovial fluid
and are found around most major joints of the body.
(inflammation of a bursa). The general term for disease of bursae is "bursopathy". Current medical studies have no specific knowledge of the entire bursae system.
Synovial fluid
Synovial fluid is a viscous, non-Newtonian fluid found in the cavities of synovial joints. With its yolk-like consistency , the principal role of synovial fluid is to reduce friction between the articular cartilage of synovial joints during movement.-Overview:The inner membrane of synovial joints...
and are found around most major joints of the body.
Etymology
Bursa is Latin for purse, due to its resemblance to a purse. There are different types of bursa. Bursae is its plural form.Pathology
Infection or irritation of a bursa leads to bursitisBursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae of synovial fluid in the body. The bursae rest at the points where internal functionaries, such as muscles and tendons, slide across bone. Healthy bursae create a smooth, almost frictionless functional gliding surface making normal movement painless...
(inflammation of a bursa). The general term for disease of bursae is "bursopathy". Current medical studies have no specific knowledge of the entire bursae system.
See also
- Bursa of FabriciusBursa of FabriciusIn birds, the bursa of Fabricius is the site of hematopoiesis, a specialized organ that, as first demonstrated by Bruce Glick and later by Max Cooper and Robert Good, is necessary for B cell development in birds...
(a lymphatic organ in birdBirdBirds are feathered, winged, bipedal, endothermic , egg-laying, vertebrate animals. Around 10,000 living species and 188 families makes them the most speciose class of tetrapod vertebrates. They inhabit ecosystems across the globe, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Extant birds range in size from...
s) - BursectomyBursectomyA bursa is a small sac filled with synovial fluid that cushions adjacent structures and reduces friction. Bursectomy refers to the removal of one of these structures, usually due to chronic inflammation or infection....
- Bursa of the knee jointBursa of the knee joint- External links :*...
