Final answer:
Synovial joints are characterized by the presence of articular cartilage, synovial fluid, joint capsule, fibrous capsule, synovial membrane, and meniscus. These components work together to enable smooth movement and provide support to the joint.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. The opposing surfaces of bones connected via a synovial joint are covered with a thin layer of articular cartilage, which acts to lubricate the joint surface and maintain the boundary of the joint and contains the synovial fluid.
2. Between the articular surfaces, a thin cavity is filled with synovial fluid, which acts to nourish the tissues of the internal joint surface.
3. The joint capsule, which is continuous with the periosteum and provides support to the joint.
4. The outermost layer of the joint capsule is the fibrous capsule, which contains cells that synthesize the synovial fluid.
5. The deeper portion of the capsule is the synovial membrane, which contains cells that synthesize the synovial fluid.
6. An example of fibrocartilage that provides additional padding and stability to the joint is the meniscus of the knee.
Learn more about Anatomy of synovial joints