Inflammation of the synovial sheath is called synovitis, while inflammation of the sheath and tendon together is called tenosynovitis.
This membrane produces a supply of synovial fluid which fills the joint cavity, lubricates it, and helps the articular bones move smoothly about the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis synovial T cells regulate transcription of several genes associated with antigen-induced anergy.
Figure 4. Synovial fluid CPPD crystals (compensated polarized light microscopy x400 ); scant numbers of rhomboid crystals showing weak positive birefringence.
My group has recently identified IL-6, which is produced by synovial fibroblasts, as a major anti-apoptotic factor in the rheumatoid joint.