Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
peripheral zone of AC and on its surface (in the gap between the opposite AC surfaces). The
viscosity of synovial fluid is caused by the forces of attraction among its molecules being
fully manifested during its flow. In other words, viscosity is a measure of its internal
resistance during the SF flow. In the space between the opposite AC surfaces, its flow
behaves like a non-Newtonian fluid.
As was pointed out above, biomechanical effects play a non-negligible and frequently a
primary role in regulating rheological properties.
The principal components of synovial fluid are water, hyaluronic acid HA , roughly 3-4
mg/ml, D-glucuronic acid and D-N-acetylglucosamine (Saari et al., 1993 and others). By its
structure, hyaluronic acid is a long polymer, which very substantially predetermines the
viscous properties of synovial fluid. Its molecular structure is evident from Fig. 2. Synovial
fluid also contains an essential growth hormone prolactin (PRL) and glycoprotein lubricin .
Fig. 2. Molecular complex of hyaluronic acid (HA)
Fig. 3. Topography of the surface of articular cartilage verified by means of FAM (Force
Atomic Microscope). The height differences of surface points range up to ca 200 nm - 2,4 μm.
In unloaded condition, they are flooded by synovial fluid
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