Anatomy Practice Exam

What type of membranes are synovial membranes classified as?

1. Muscle membranes

2. Connective tissue membranes

3. Epithelial membranes

4. Nervous membranes

The correct answer is: Connective tissue membranes

Synovial membranes are classified as connective tissue membranes because they are primarily composed of connective tissue. These membranes line the cavities of joints and produce synovial fluid, which lubricates and nourishes the articular cartilage of the joints. The connective tissue within synovial membranes plays a critical role in providing structural support and facilitating movement by forming an effective barrier that separates the joint from surrounding tissues. Unlike epithelial membranes, which are primarily composed of layers of epithelial cells, synovial membranes lack a true epithelium. Instead, they contain a mixture of connective tissue cells, including fibroblasts and macrophages, which contribute to the production and maintenance of synovial fluid. This characteristic of being composed of connective tissue rather than epithelial cells is what firmly classifies synovial membranes in the category of connective tissue membranes.