Shared Flashcard Set

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Musculoskeletal Prefixes
biology
13
Medical
Not Applicable
11/11/2026

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
AB-
Definition

Away from

 

Example: Abduction, movement of a limb toward the midline of the body, such as raising the arm or leg to the side.

Term
A-
Definition

Absence of, without 

Example: Atrophy—wasting away or reduction in muscle size due to lack of use, often resulting from prolonged immobility, nerve damage, or muscle disease.

Term
AD-
Definition

Toward

 

Example: Adduction-movement of a limb toward the midline of the body, such as bringing the arm or leg back to its resting position after abducion. 

Term
Brady-
Definition

Slow 

 

Example: Bradykinesia—slowness of movement, often a symptom of neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, affecting motor function and coordination.

Term
DYS-
Definition

Painful, difficult, abnormal, and labored. 

 

Example: Dystonia—a condition characterized by abnormal muscle tone or involuntary muscle contractions, which can lead to repetitive movements, abnormal postures, and impaired function.

Term
Hyper-
Definition

Above, excessive

 

Example: Hypertonia—excessive muscle tone, resulting in stiffness or rigidity, commonly seen in conditions like cerebral palsy or stroke.

Term
Inter-
Definition

Between

 

Example: Intervertebral disc—a fibrocartilaginous structure located between the vertebrae of the spine, providing cushioning and flexibility. 

Term
Intra-
Definition

Within

 

Example: Intramuscular injection—An injection administered directly into a muscle, commonly used for vaccines or medication delivery.

 

 

Term
Poly-
Definition

Many, much

 

Example: Polydactyly—a congenital condition characterized by having more than the normal number of fingers or toes, which may require surgical correction.

Term
Sub-
Definition

Below, under

 

Example: Subscapularius muscle—A muscle located below the scapula, playing a key role in shoulder rotation.

Term
Supra-
Definition

Above

 

Example: Suprapatellar is the area above the knee

Term
Sym-
Definition

Together, joined

 

Example: Symphysis pubis—a cartilaginous joint where two pubic bones meet in the pelvis, allowing slight movement for childbirth. 

Term
Syn-
Definition

Together, joined

 

Example: Synarthrosis—a type of immovable joint where bones are joined together, such as in the skull. 

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