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MED-107
musculoskeletal word root
37
Medical
Not Applicable
07/13/2025

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
ankyl/o
Definition
Stiff, bent Example: Ankylosis - Abnormal stiffening and immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bones, often caused by injury or disease.
Term
arthr/o
Definition
Joint Example: Arthritis – Inflammation of a joint, often resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness, which can be caused by aging, autoimmune disorders, or injury.
Term
carp/o:
Definition
Carpals, wrist Example: Carpectomy - Surgical removal of a carpal bone, typically performed to relieve pain or improve wrist function.
Term
chondr/o
Definition
Cartilage Example: Chondromalacia - Softening of cartilage, commonly affecting the knee and leading to pain and swelling during movement.
Term
clavic/o
Definition
: Clavicle, collarbone Example: Clavicectomy - Excision of the clavicle, usually performed to treat severe fractures or chronic pain.
Term
cost/o:
Definition
Ribs Example: Costochondritis – Inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the sternum, causing localized chest pain that can mimic heart-related conditions.
Term
crani/o:
Definition
  • Cranium Example: Craniotomy - Surgical incision into the cranium to access the brain for procedures such as tumor removal or trauma management.

Term
electr/o:
Definition
Electricity; electrical activity Example: Electromyography - A diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of muscles to detect neuromuscular disorders.
Term
fasci/o:
Definition
Fascia Example: Fasciotomy - A surgical incision into fascia to relieve tension or pressure, often used to treat compartment syndrome.
Term
fibr/o
Definition
Fibrous connective tissue Example: Fibromyalgia - A condition characterized by widespread pain in fibrous tissues and muscles, often accompanied by fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Term
kinesi/o:
Definition
Movement, motion Example: Kinesiology - The study of movement and how the body’s muscles, bones, and joints work together to produce motion.
Term
kyph/o:
Definition
Increased convexity of the spine Example: Kyphosis - Excessive outward curvature of the spine, leading to a hunched posture, commonly seen in older adults.
Term
lamin/o:
Definition
  • Lamina (thin, flat plate or layer) Example: Laminectomy - Surgical removal of a portion of the vertebral lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Term
leiomy/o
Definition
Smooth (visceral) muscle that lines the walls of internal organs Example: Leiomyoma - A benign tumor of smooth muscle, often found in the uterus where it is commonly referred to as a fibroid.
Term
lord/o
Definition
Bent forward, increased concavity of the spine Example: Lordosis - Excessive inward curvature of the spine, commonly affecting the lower back and sometimes leading to pain.
Term
lumb/o
Definition
: Loin, lumbar region of the spine Example: Lumbodynia - Pain in the lumbar region, often caused by muscle strain, injury, or degenerative conditions.
Term
mandibul/o:
Definition
  • Mandible, lower jaw bone Example: Mandibular - Pertaining to the mandible, the largest and strongest bone of the face that holds the lower teeth.

Term
maxill/o
Definition
Maxilla, upper jaw bone Example: Maxillofacial - Pertaining to the maxilla and face, often referring to surgeries or treatments involving the upper jaw and facial structures.
Term
menisc/o:
Definition
  • Meniscus, crescent Example: Meniscectomy - Surgical removal of a meniscus, typically done to repair damage from injury or degeneration in the knee joint.

  •  

Term
my/o:
Definition
Muscle Example: Myopathy – Any disease of the muscle, often resulting in weakness, pain, or dysfunction, such as in muscular dystrophy or inflammatory myopathies.
Term
myel/o
Definition
Marrow (bone), spinal cord Example: Myelitis – Inflammation of the spinal cord or bone marrow, which can cause neurological symptoms, weakness, or immune system dysfunction.
Term
oste/o:
Definition
 Bone Example: Osteoporosis – A condition characterized by a decrease in bone density, leading to brittle bones and an increased risk of fractures, especially in the hips, spine, and wrists.
Term
patell/o
Definition
Patella, kneecap Example: Patellar – Pertaining to the kneecap, a small bone that protects the knee joint and facilitates leg extension.
Term
pelv/i:
Definition
  • Pelvis, pelvic bone Example: Pelvimetry – Measurement of the dimensions of the pelvis, often used in obstetrics to assess the feasibility of vaginal childbirth.

Term
pelv/o:
Definition
: Pelvis, pelvic bone Example: Pelvectomy – Surgical removal of part or all of the pelvis, typically performed to treat advanced cancers or severe trauma.
Term
petr/o:
Definition
: Stone Example: Petrous – Resembling stone or pertaining to the petrous part of the temporal bone, which houses the inner ear structures
Term
phalang/o:
Definition

  Bones of the fingers and toes Example: Phalangeal – Pertaining to the bones of the fingers or toes, essential for dexterity and movement

Term
plant/o
Definition
Sole of the foot Example: Plantar fasciitis – Inflammation of the fascia on the sole of the foot, causing heel pain and discomfort, often due to overuse or improper footwear.
Term
pub/o
Definition
Pubis (hipbone) Example: Pubofemoral – Pertaining to the pubis and femur, such as the pubofemoral ligament, which supports the hip joint
Term
rachi/o:
Definition
 Vertebral spine, vertebral column Example: Rachialgia – Pain in the vertebral column, often caused by conditions like arthritis, herniated discs, or muscular strain
Term
rhabd/o
Definition
Rod-shaped, striated Example: Rhabdomyolysis – A condition involving the breakdown of striated muscle fibers, leading to the release of muscle contents into the bloodstream, potentially causing kidney damage
Term
sarc/o
Definition
Flesh, connective tissue Example: Sarcoma – A malignant tumor of connective tissue such as bone, muscle, or fat, often requiring surgical and medical treatment.
Term
scoli/o:
Definition
Crooked, curved Example: Scoliosis – Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, which can cause back pain, posture issues, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties.
Term
spondyl/o:
Definition
Vertebra, spine, vertebral column Example: Spondylitis – Inflammation of the vertebrae, often seen in conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, causing stiffness and pain in the spine.
Term
tars/o
Definition
Tarsals, ankle bones Example: Tarsalgia – Pain in the ankle bones, often caused by arthritis, injury, or overuse.
Term
ten/o
Definition
 tendin/o, tend/o: Tendon Example: Tenosynovitis – Inflammation of a tendon and its surrounding synovial sheath, often caused by repetitive movement or injury.
Term
vertebr/o
Definition
 Vertebra, spine, vertebral column Example: Vertebral – Pertaining to a vertebra, one of the interlocking bones that make up the spinal column, providing support and protection for the spinal cord.
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