Subtendinous bursa
Bursa subtendinea
- Latin synonym: Bursa synovialis subtendinea
Definition
A subtendinous bursa is a synovial-lined, fluid-filled sac located beneath a tendon and above the underlying bone or joint capsule. Its primary function is to reduce friction and facilitate smooth gliding of the tendon during movement, especially where tendons pass over bony prominences.
The subtendinous bursae help protect tendons from mechanical stress and distribute pressure during repeated motion.
Examples
Subacromial-subdeltoid bursa beneath the supraspinatus tendon in the shoulder and the subgluteus medius and minimus bursae beneath the respective tendons at the greater trochanter of the femur.
References
Kennedy MS, Nicholson HD, Woodley SJ. The morphology of the subacromial and related shoulder bursae. An anatomical and histological study. J Anat. 2022 May;240(5):941-958.
Pfirrmann CW, Chung CB, Theumann NH, Trudell DJ, Resnick D. Greater trochanter of the hip: attachment of the abductor mechanism and a complex of three bursae--MR imaging and MR bursography in cadavers and MR imaging in asymptomatic volunteers. Radiology. 2001 Nov;221(2):469-77.
