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medical term Lesson 4
Musculoskeletel System Medical Term
94
Medical
Not Applicable
07/02/2026

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Term
Arthr/o-:
Definition
Pertaining to a joint. 
Term
Burs/o-: 
Definition
Burs/o-: Pertaining to a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions joints 
Term
Chondr/o-:
Definition
Pertaining to cartilage 
Term
Fasci/o-:
Definition
Pertaining to fascia, the fibrous connective tissue that encloses muscles 
Term
Kinesi/o-:
Definition
Kinesi/o-: Pertaining to movement or motion. 
Term
My/o-:
Definition
My/o-: Pertaining to muscle 
Term
Myel/o-:
Definition
Myel/o-: Pertaining to bone marrow or the spinal cord 
Term
Orth/o-:
Definition
Orth/o-: Meaning "straight" or "correct" 
Term
Oste/o-:
Definition
Oste/o-: Pertaining to bone 
Term
Sarc/o-:
Definition
Sarc/o-: Pertaining to flesh or connective tissue 
Term
Spondyl/o-:
Definition
Spondyl/o-: Pertaining to the vertebrae or spine. 
Term
Ten/o- or Tendin/o-:
Definition
Ten/o- or Tendin/o-: Pertaining to a tendon. 
Term
Vertebr/o-:
Definition
Vertebr/o-: Pertaining to a vertebra or the vertebral column 
Term
Algia:
Definition
Indicates pain, as in myalgia 
Term
Ashenia:
Definition
Denotes weakness, such as in myasthenia 
Term
Atresia:
Definition
Signifies the absence of a normal body opening 
Term
Centesis:
Definition
Refers to a surgical puncture to remove fluid 
Term
Clasia:
Definition
Indicates surgical fracture,as in osteoclasia 
Term
Desis:
Definition
Denotes fusion or binding, such as in arthrodesis 
Term
Ectomy:
Definition
Signifies surgical removal, like laminectomy 
Term
Graphy:
Definition
Refers to a process of recording, such as electromyography 
Term
Itis:
Definition
Indicates inflammation as in arthritis 
Term
Kinesia;
Definition
Relates to movement, such as bradykinesia 
Term
Listhesis:
Definition
Signifies slipping, such as spondylolisthesis (vertebral slipping) 
Term
Malacia:
Definition
Indicates softening, such as osteomalacia (bone softening) 
Term
Oma:
Definition
Signifies a tumor or growth, like osteoma 
Term
Osis:
Definition
Indicates a condition or disease, such as osteoporosis 
Term
Oplasty:
Definition
Refers to surgical repair or reconstruction, like arthroplasty 
Term
Orrhaphy:
Definition
Denotes surgical suturing, such as tenorrhaphy (tendon repair) 
Term
Oscopy:
Definition
Indicates a visual examination, like arthroscopy (joint examination) 
Term
Ostomy;
Definition
Signifies surgical creation of an opening 
Term
Otomy;
Definition
Refers to surgical incision, such as arthrotomy 
Term
Paresis;
Definition
Denotes partial paralysis or weakness 
Term
Pexy;
Definition
Signifies surgical fixation, such as tenopexy 
Term
Plasty;
Definition
Indicates surgical repair or reconstruction 
Term
-desis:
Definition
surgical fixation, fusion
Term
centesis:
Definition
surgical puncture to aspirate fluid
Term
al
Definition
pertaining to
Term
-ectomy
Definition
excision, surgical removal, cutting out
Term
ankly/o
Definition
 Stiff, bent 
Term
arthr/o:
Definition
 Inflammation of a joint 
Term
carp/o:
Definition
 Carpals, wrist
Term
chondr/o
Definition
Clavicle, collarbone 
Term
cost/o
Definition
ribs
Term
cranio/o
Definition
Cranium
Term
electr/o
Definition
electricity
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
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 
Term

BDT = Bone Density Testing

Definition
  • A diagnostic test used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and determine the strength of bones. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions like osteoporosis and assess fracture risk. Techniques include dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). 
Term

CTS = Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Definition

A condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers, often associated with repetitive motions like typing or assembly work.

 

Term

EMG = Electromyography

Definition
  • A diagnostic procedure that measures the electrical activity of muscles in response to nerve stimulation. EMG is used to evaluate muscle weakness, nerve dysfunction, or neuromuscular disorders. 
Term

MD = Muscular Dystrophy

Definition
  • A group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. Types of muscular dystrophy include Duchenne muscular dystrophy (most common) and Becker muscular dystrophy, among others. 
Term

MG = Myasthenia Gravis

Definition
A chronic autoimmune disorder that disrupts communication between nerves and muscles, leading to muscle weakness. Symptoms often include drooping eyelids (ptosis), difficulty swallowing, and fatigue with activity.
Term

OA = Osteoarthritis

Definition
  • A degenerative joint disease caused by the breakdown of cartilage within joints. Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. OA primarily affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine. 
Term

OP = Osteoporosis

Definition
  • A condition characterized by a decrease in bone density, making bones weak, brittle, and more prone to fractures. It often affects older adults, especially postmenopausal women, due to reduced levels of estrogen. 
Term

OT = Occupational Therapy

Definition
  • A therapeutic approach focused on enabling individuals to perform meaningful daily activities and tasks despite injury, illness, or disability. OT helps patients regain independence in activities of daily living and adapt to physical or cognitive limitations. 
Term

 

PKR = Partial Knee Replacement

 

Definition
  • A surgical procedure in which only the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced with a prosthesis. PKR is an alternative to total knee replacement for patients with localized arthritis in one compartment of the knee. 
Term

 

PMR = Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Definition
  • An inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders, neck, and hips. PMR is more common in older adults and is often associated with systemic inflammation, such as in giant cell arteritis. 
Term

RA = Rheumatoid Arthritis

Definition
  • A chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformities. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA often affects smaller joints and can involve systemic symptoms like fatigue and fever. 
Term

ROM = Range of Motion

Definition
  • The extent of movement a joint or muscle can achieve in various directions. It is often assessed in physical therapy, injury evaluation, or post-surgery rehabilitation to determine joint health or progress of recovery 
Term

RSD = Repetitive Stress Disorder

Definition
  • Definition: A condition caused by repetitive motion or overuse of muscles, tendons, or nerves, leading to pain, inflammation, or injury. Common examples include tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome. 
Term

THR = Total Hip Replacement

Definition
  • Definition: A surgical procedure in which the damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial prosthesis. THR is often performed for severe arthritis or hip fractures, restoring function and relieving pain. 
Term

TKR = Total Knee Replacement

Definition
  • Definition: A surgical procedure in which the entire knee joint is replaced with a prosthesis. TKR is used to treat severe arthritis or joint damage that significantly impacts mobility and quality of life. 
Term

Achilles Tendon

Definition
  • Named After: Achilles, a hero of Greek mythology.

The tendon that connects the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone (calcaneus). It plays a critical role in walking, running, and jumping. Frequently injured in sports, leading to conditions such as Achilles tendinitis or ruptures. 

Term

Paget's Disease of Bone

Definition
  • Named After: Sir James Paget, a British surgeon.

A chronic bone disorder causing abnormal bone remodeling, leading to weakened, enlarged, and deformed bones. It commonly affects the pelvis, skull, spine, and legs. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent fractures and manage symptoms. 

Term

Baker's Cyst

Definition
  • Named After: William Morrant Baker, a British surgeon.

A fluid-filled sac located behind the knee, often resulting from joint inflammation or conditions like arthritis. A Baker’s cyst is common in patients with osteoarthritis or knee injuries. It can cause swelling, discomfort, and limited knee movement. 

Term

Erb’s Palsy

Definition
  • Named After: Wilhelm Heinrich Erb, a German neurologist.

A condition caused by injury to the brachial plexus, often during birth or trauma. It leads to weakness or paralysis in the shoulder and elbow muscles. Early diagnosis and intervention through physical therapy are essential for improving outcomes in affected individuals.

 

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