Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

A 3D System for Culturing Human Articular Chondrocytes in Synovial Fluid
Published on: January 31, 2012
Synovial fluid crystals derived from erythrocyte degradation products
G A Tate1, H R Schumacher, A J Reginato
1Veterans Administration Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Abstract:
We report 5 patients with bloody effusions containing crystals not previously reported to occur in synovial fluid. In one patient, rectangular hemoglobin-like crystals were found inside red cells previously observed elsewhere. In the other 4 cases, golden brown rhomboid crystals with positive elongation appeared to be hematoidin, a degradation production of hemoglobin, which has been found in nonarticular areas of old hemorrhage. In one patient, hematoidin crystals were identified lying in macrophage vacuoles. Both types of crystals are potential sources of confusion with known pathogenic crystals.
Related Concept Videos
The Extracellular Matrix
Proteoglycans
Glycosaminoglycans
GAGS are found in the extracellular matrix of vertebrates, invertebrates, and bacteria. Due to their polar nature they attract water, and serve as excellent lubricants or shock absorbers in an animal body.
Hyaluronic...
Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...

