Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

Which body fluid can be extracted from a joint cavity?

1. Synovial

2. Pleural

3. Peritoneal

4. Cerebrospinal

The correct answer is: Synovial

The correct answer is synovial fluid, as it specifically refers to the viscous fluid found within joint cavities. Synovial fluid plays a crucial role in lubricating joints, reducing friction between the articular cartilages of synovial joints, and providing nourishment to the cartilage. It is produced by the synovial membrane that lines the joint capsule. In contrast, the other body fluids mentioned serve different functions and are found in distinct anatomical locations. Pleural fluid is located in the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs, peritoneal fluid is found in the peritoneal cavity within the abdomen, and cerebrospinal fluid circulates around the brain and spinal cord. Each of these fluids has a specific role related to its location and the organs it surrounds, making synovial fluid the only one that is directly extracted from a joint cavity.