Bursa
Bursae are located in different places in the human body. They contribute to smooth movement of joints . A disorder often results in pain and other discomfort.
Definition
A bursa is a specifically constructed tissue that is filled with synovial fluid. Bursae can be located in all joints of the musculoskeletal system, such as the knees . In total, humans have 150 bursae. The number can vary slightly from person to person and can deviate up or down.
At the same time, no generalization can be made about the size of the bursa, which takes on different dimensions depending on their individual location. The structure of the bursa can be described as flat. Only when there is inflammation does the tissue change its external appearance.
Anatomy
The structure of the bursa is similar regardless of its location. They are always between a hard surface and soft tissue. The solid surface can be bone , for example . Bursae are divided into different categories. These are due to the nature of the softer tissue .
For example, there are bursae in the skin. These are just under the skin. Tendon bursa, on the other hand, can be located under tendons. Above them, a bony element is adjacent. Ligament bursa sit between ligaments and bone, while muscle bursa separate muscle and bone.
In addition, there are constant bursae on the one hand and reactive ones on the other. Constant bursae are present from birth and can be found in the same environment in every person. Reactive bursae, on the other hand, are acquired. They develop on the basis of a stimulus.
Reactive bursae can be found in different places. At the same time, they do not occur in every person. Such a typification applies above all to many skin bursae. Regardless of their location, the structure of bursae is always the same. The membrana fibrosa represents the first of two layers, which is directed outwards. Beneath it lies the synovial layer. This is where the fluid in the bursa is produced.
Function
The bursa protects the tissues it is in contact with. This means that it can be found in all places where various structures such as skin and muscles would otherwise lie directly over the bones. Discomfort would arise from such a position because friction would take place, causing pain. Due to their location between two structures, bursae function as cushioning and a sliding layer.
If a certain stimulus is exerted on one of the two components, as is the case, for example, with a strong pull, pressure or friction, the bursa succeeds in reducing the resulting force. The fluid produced by the bursa plays an important role in this. This is able to reduce the pressure in an even way by distributing it to the tissues located underneath the bursa.
This means that the bursa is of great importance, especially in the joints, which are regularly exposed to heavy loads in everyday life. These include, for example, the knees, but also the shoulders or elbows. Without the protective structure, different elements would rub directly against each other. The effects of such a process become clear, among other things, from the symptoms that arise with arthrosis.
Diseases
In particular, because the bursa absorbs a large part of the pressure exerted, overloading the body is harmful to the tissue. If there is constant strong irritation, inflammation can develop. In some patients, bursitis takes a very painful course and should therefore always be treated as soon as the first symptoms appear.
The affected area shows redness , swelling and overheating. If the symptoms occur in the vicinity of a joint, the mobility of the affected limb is usually also restricted.
In some patients, a build-up of fluid under the skin can also be felt. Further spread of the inflammation is rare. It is usually accompanied by fever and swelling of the lymph nodes .
If the disease is treated quickly, no consequential damage will remain. Even immobilization, anti-inflammatory drugs and cold packs can lead to success. However, in some patients, the acute course of the disease turns into a chronic one. This may require an operation to remove the bursa.
In addition , in rarer cases , inflammation occurs due to gout , rheumatic disorders or various infections such as tuberculosis and gonorrhea .
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.