Shared Flashcard Set

Details

musculoskeletal prefixes
term
14
Medical
Not Applicable
10/23/2025

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

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
  • ab-

Definition
: Away from Example: Abduction – Movement of a limb away from the midline of the body, such as raising the arm or leg to the side, common in physical therapy and exercise routines.
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 abduction.
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, 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, in 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 for functional or cosmetic reasons.

     

Term
  • sub-

Definition
: Below, under Example: Subscapularis muscle – A muscle located below the scapula (shoulder blade), playing a key role in shoulder rotation and stabilization.
Term
  • supra-:

Definition
 Above Example: Suprapatellar – Refers to the area above the patella (kneecap), commonly associated with the suprapatellar bursa, which reduces friction and allows smooth movement of the quadriceps tendon over the femur.
Term
  • sym-

Definition
: Together, joined Example: Symphysis pubis – A cartilaginous joint where the two pubic bones meet in the pelvis, allowing slight movement for childbirth and pelvic flexibility.
Term
  • syn-

     

Definition
: Together, joined Example: Synarthrosis – A type of immovable joint where bones are joined together, such as in the skull, providing stability and protection to vital organs.
Term
osteo-
 
Definition
bone - Osteoarthritis – arthritis affecting bones/joints
 
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