SYNOVIAL ARTICULAR CAPSULES. 261 



SECT. III. OF THE SYNOVIAL ARTICULAR CAPSULES. 



Each moveable articulation is lined by a membrane, (Mem- 

 brane Synoviale,} reflected over the internal face of the capsu- 

 lar ligament and the articular cartilages. This membrane is 

 a perfect sac; and unlike the capsular ligament, has no opening 

 in it. It is remarkably distinct where it is not attached to the 

 articular cartilages; and, by being inflated, is caused to protrude 

 in small vesicles, or pouches, between the fasciculi of the liga- 

 mentous structure. Its connexion with the cartilage, and its 

 continuation over it, are not quite so obvious, and require more 

 management to demonstrate: it is, indeed, so thin and transpa- 

 rent at this part, and adheres so-closely, that its existence there 

 has been questioned, but may be proved in a variety of ways. 

 By maceration it becomes so loose, that, with a pair of forceps, 

 shreds of it may be raised along the whole extent of the carti- 

 lage. If a flap of cartilage be raised up by a knife, its base 

 being left attached, in attempting to tear away the base it will 

 be found that the synovial membrane is continued from this 

 base to the contiguous cartilage. Saw a bone through to its 

 articular cartilage, then tear through the cartilage gently, in 

 which case the continuity of the synovial membrane will also 

 be manifested. 



From these several proofs the fact is established, that the sy- 

 novial membranes are bags, closed at both extremities, and dif- 

 fer thereby from the capsular ligaments. 



The synovial capsules are liable to a fungous degeneration 

 which occurs equally upon the cartilaginous and capsular por- 

 tions of them. Factitious bridles sometimes form in the joints, 

 attached indiscriminately to either portion of the synovial mem- 

 brane. M. Beclard says, that protracted inflammation will, 

 finally, redden the cartilaginous portion, and that it extends from 

 the circumference to the centre, the hues being lighter the 

 nearer it is to the latter. It has not occurred to me to meet 

 with this proof; though I have made frequent dissections in 

 subjects, of inflamed joints, the redness has always ceased at 

 the margin of the articular cartilage. Dr. Physick's experience, 



