What component of a joint secretes synovial fluid to lubricate and nourish the joint?

The synovial membrane is the correct answer because it is the specialized tissue that lines the synovial joints and is responsible for producing synovial fluid. This fluid plays a critical role in lubricating the joint, reducing friction between the articular cartilage during movement, and providing essential nutrients to the cartilage and other structures within the joint. The synovial membrane ensures that the joint operates smoothly and maintains its health by creating an optimal environment for movement and reducing wear and tear.

In contrast, cartilage is the flexible tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, providing a smooth surface for joint movement, but it does not produce synovial fluid. Bone forms the structure of the skeleton and provides support and protection for organs, but it is not involved in fluid secretion. Tendons, which connect muscles to bones, play a role in movement but do not have a role in the lubrication or nourishment of the joint itself. This differentiation among joint structures highlights the unique function of the synovial membrane in maintaining joint health through synovial fluid production.