Videos
Quizzes
Both
Articular capsule
/images/vimeo_thumbnails/303317526/6pO6bjNgN8YvWyA00yU5Rg_overlay.jpg)
:watermark(/images/watermark_only_413.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url_sm.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/capsula-articularis/nSSUREM8ngYoySOMtVBUA_VqXMtxTa3G_Capsula_articularis_1.png "Articular capsule (Capsula articularis); Image: Liene Znotina"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only_413.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url_sm.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/articular-capsule/PEgw1klb8St8rfUtukYAg_myvf5J67Zu_Capsula_articularis_2.png "Articular capsule (Capsula articularis); Image: Liene Znotina"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only_413.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url_sm.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/articular-capsule-1/o3atVJQe1AqLvshKARIQLQ_articular_capsule.png "Articular capsule (Capsula articularis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
An articular capsule, also called a joint capsule, is a double-layered connective tissue structure enclosing the joint cavity of a synovial joint. It is one of the three unique features of a synovial joint not present in fibrous or cartilaginous joints, along with synovial fluid and articular cartilage.
The outer fibrous layer is composed of dense irregular collagenous connective tissue and functions to provide stability for the joint by holding the articulating bones together. The inner layer is composed of loose connective tissue known as the synovial membrane, which lines the entire joint cavity except for the articulating surfaces of the bones. The synovial membrane secretes synovial fluid which provides lubrication for the joint to reduce friction between the articulating bones.
Ligaments associated with joints are also classified according to their relationship to the fibrous articular capsule. Ligaments located external to the articular capsule are termed extrinsic ligaments, ligaments fused to the the wall of the articular capsule are intrinsic ligaments, and ligaments inside of the articular capsule are intracapsular ligaments.
| Terminology |
English: Articular capsule Latin: Capsula articularis |
| Definition | Double-layered connective tissue structure enclosing the joint cavity of a synovial joint |
| Function | Protection, support and lubrication of synovial joints |
Learn more about synovial joints with this study unit (and article):
:format(jpeg)/images/study_unit/types-of-synovial-joints/9h4ulZVcpD8swLc8Vfn13g_T1020_FINAL.png)
:format(jpeg)/images/article/arthrology/8n1zuKWtdvLwVIX2e81Uw_yQrTxFyReHjoRhpiryA_Shoulder_joint_2.png)
Articular capsule: want to learn more about it?
Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.
What do you prefer to learn with?
“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.”
–
Read more.
Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver
