Synovial Membrane of Articular Capsules of Median Atlantoaxial Joint
Membrana synovialis capsularum articularium articulationis atlantoaxialis medianae
Read moreStructure
The median atlantoaxial joint is the pivot joint in which the dens of the axis articulates anteriorly with the anterior arch of the atlas, and posteriorly with the transverse ligament of the atlas. Between these two articulations are vertically orientated joint spaces surrounded by articular capsules. The articular capsules are composed of a fibrous layer lined by a synovial membrane (Ebraheim et al., 1997).
Anatomical Relations
The synovial membrane of the articular capsules of the median atlantoaxial joint is attached:
—to the apposed articular margins of the dens axis and the anterior arch of atlas;
—to the margins of the posterior articular facet on the dens axis and to the margins of the cartilaginous region on the transverse ligament of the atlas (Ebraheim et al., 1997).
Function
The synovial membrane allows for the production and secretion of synovial fluid which helps to lubricate joints and prevent friction during movement. It also provides nutrition to the joint. The membrane also locks in this fluid and prevents leakage out of the capsule.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Atlantoaxial dislocation
References
Ebraheim, N. A., Yang, H., Lu, J., Biyani, A. and Yeasting, R. A. (1997) 'Cartilage and synovium of the human atlanto-odontoid joint. An anatomic and histological study', Acta Anat (Basel), 159(1), pp. 48-56.
