A review of the current literature shows that the nature of the synovial cells and the mechanism of the production of the synovial fluid are still subject to controversy.
The importance of first solving these problems concerning the cytology and physiology of the synovial membrane before further progress can be expected in the study of diseased joints is emphasized.
By using excised portions of synovial membrane obtained from joints, bursae, tenovaginal sheaths, and tendon ganglia, the presence of mucin was demonstrated within the synovial cells.
Studies of these sections lead one to believe that the mucin within the synovial fluid is a product of synovial-cell degeneration.
Adherence to the general opinion that the synovial cells are of connective-tissue origin is acknowledged.