Description
Bursae are sac-like structures, with an inner synovial membrane, that produces a thin film of synovial fluid. They aid in reducing friction between moving tissues of the body, such as between tendon and bone, ligament and bone, tendons and ligaments, and between muscles.
The bursae located in the foot are arranged around the calcaneus. The most constant bursa found here is the bursa of the calcaneal tendon. It is located between the posterior surface of the calcaneus bone and the distal part of the calcaneal (Achilles’) tendon and allows for the smooth movement of the tendon over the bone. The more superficial subcutaneous calcaneal bursa is less common and is located between the skin and the calcaneal tendon. It allows the skin to pass freely over the taut tendon.
Related parts of the anatomy
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Synovial Bursa
A synovial bursa is a simple sac lying between a tendon or muscle and an adjacent bony prominence.
