Synovial joints, the most common and movable type of joint, have a complex structure. They include a synovial cavity filled with synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint. The joint is enclosed by the synovial membrane and a fibrous capsule. The ends of the bones in a synovial joint are covered with articular cartilage, which reduces friction and absorbs shock. The synovial membrane consists of an intima layer with synoviocytes and a subintima layer rich in blood vessels and connective tissue.
