Synovial Membrane of Articular Capsule of Distal Radioulnar Joint (Left)
Stratum synoviale capsulae articularis articulationis radioulnararis
Read moreAnatomical Relations
The synovial membrane of the distal radioulnar joint forms the internal layer of the articular capsule of the distal radioulnar joint. The fibrous membrane forms the external layer of the capsule. The synovial membrane forms a sacciform recess that extends proximally towards the distal part of the interosseous membrane. The sacciform recess is essentially a bulge of the synovial membrane beyond the articular surfaces of the distal radioulnar joint.
Structure
The synovial membrane of the distal radioulnar joint lines the joint cavity and is composed of loose connective tissue. The synovial membrane is responsible for producing synovial fluid, which lubricates the distal radioulnar joint.
Function
The articular capsule of the distal radioulnar joint ensures that the joint is sealed, thus, keeping the lubricating synovial fluid within the joint. It provides passive stability to the joint by limiting the joint movement. Additionally, it provides active stability but containing numerous proprioceptive nerve endings which relay mechanical information back to the central nervous system (Ralphs and Benjamin, 1994).
References
Ralphs, J. R. and Benjamin, M. (1994) 'The joint capsule: structure, composition, ageing and disease', Journal of Anatomy, 184(Pt 3), pp. 503-509.
