In the hip joint, where does the synovial membrane line?

The synovial membrane in the hip joint primarily lines the internal surfaces of the joint capsule, which includes specific areas such as the ligament of the head of the femur. This ligament connects the femoral head to the acetabulum and is enclosed within the synovial cavity. The synovial membrane is crucial because it produces synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint, reduces friction, and nourishes the articular cartilage.

In contrast, the acetabulum is a bony structure that forms the socket of the hip joint and does not have a synovial lining directly; rather, it is the area where the femur articulates. Cartilage of the tibia is associated with the knee joint rather than the hip, and the trochanters are bony protrusions on the femur that serve as muscle attachment sites, not areas lined by synovial membrane. Understanding the anatomical relationships and functions of these parts helps clarify why the ligament of the head of the femur is the correct choice regarding the synovial membrane's location in the hip joint.