synovial tendon sheath

syn·o·vi·al ten·don sheath

[TA]

a sheath of synovial membrane enveloping certain of the tendons; it contains a small amount of synovial fluid.

Synonym(s): vagina synovialis tendinis [TA], mucous sheath of tendon, theca tendinis, vagina mucosa tendinis, vaginal synovial membrane

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

synovial tendon sheath

A double-walled tubelike bursa that encloses a tendon. It consists of an inner visceral layer lying on and adhering to a tendon and an outer parietal layer; the two layers are separated by a space filled with synovial fluid. This sheath is found esp. in the hands and feet where tendons are confined to osteofibrous canals or pass over bony surfaces.

Synonym: synovial sheath

Medical Dictionary, © 2009 Farlex and Partners

Synovial tendon sheath

Where the tendons cross joints, they are sheathed in thin membranes known as synovium, which provide lubrication to decrease friction.

Mentioned in: Trigger Finger

Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.