Hyaluronic acid in our body
Hyaluronic acid is a typical mucopolysaccharide. It is component of the ground substance of intercellular material; the human umbilical cord and cattle synovial and vitreous fluids are the most common sources of Hyaluronic acid, but it is widely distributed and it is found in the most connective tissues. Its name is derived from hyaloids (vitreous) and uronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is composed of equimolar proportions of D-glucuronic acid and acetyl glucosamine occupying alternating positions in the molecule.
The molecular weight varies depending on the source with reported values ranging from a few hundred thousand to well over million. Large polymers of Hyaluronic acid form mesh that enables it to bind a large amount of water. In loose connective tissue such as binding of tissue fluid forms a jellylike matrix filling the space between capillaries and cells. The large amount of fluid that is held by the polymers permits diffusion of solutes between capillaries and cells. In the synovial cavity, the viscosity of the synovial fluid assists in lubrication of joints.
Hyaluronic acid in our body
