Your joints bend thousands of times a day. Type A synoviocytes are the cleanup crew that keeps the inside of each joint neat and tidy.
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A joint is where two bones meet, like your knee or elbow. Many joints are wrapped in a thin lining called the synovial membrane. It fills the joint with a slippery liquid.
Type A synoviocytes sit in that lining. They are roundish blobs that can change shape and reach out to grab things.
Type A synoviocytes belong to the macrophage family. Macrophage means "big eater", because these cells gobble things up!
Every time you move, tiny worn-out bits can end up in the joint liquid. Type A synoviocytes swallow them up so the joint stays clean.
They can also gobble germs and send out signals to call for help. A clean joint moves smoothly, so you can run, jump, and climb.
Scroll up to the 3D model and press Clean up to watch the cell gobble the bits floating nearby.
By Smile and Learn - English. A fun video for kids.
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