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musculoskeletal system
musculoskeltal system
95
Medical
Undergraduate 1
10/19/2026

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

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 ex.osteoporosis
Term
-al
Definition

Pertaining to

Example: Femoral – Pertaining to the femur, the largest bone in the body, located in the thigh.

Term
-algia
Definition

Pain Example:

Myalgia – Pain in a muscle, often caused by overuse, injury, or systemic conditions like fibromyalgia.

Term
-ar
Definition

Pertaining to

Example: Patellar – Pertaining to the kneecap (patella), a small bone that protects the knee joint and assists in movement.

Term
-asthenia
Definition

 Weakness

Example: Myasthenia – Muscle weakness, commonly associated with conditions like myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular function.

Term
-centesis
Definition
  •               Surgical puncture to aspirate fluid

    Example: Arthrocentesis – Surgical puncture of a joint to remove fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, often used to relieve swelling or analyze joint conditions.

Term
-clasia
Definition

Break

Example:Osteoclasia – Surgical breaking of bone tissue to correct deformities or aid in the healing process in severe cases.

Term
-clast
Definition

Break

Example: Osteoclast – A specialized bone cell that breaks down bone tissue during bone remodeling and repair.

Term
-desis
Definition

Surgical fixation, fusion

Example: Arthrodesis – Surgical fusion of a joint to provide stability and reduce pain, often used for severe arthritis.

Term
-ectomy
Definition

Excision, surgical removal, cutting out

Example: Tenectomy – Surgical removal of part of a tendon, often performed to treat chronic tendon inflammation or injury.

Term
-gram
Definition

The record, radiographic image

Example: Myogram – A record of muscle contraction activity, often used to diagnose neuromuscular disorders.

Term
-graphy
Definition

Process of recording, radiographic imaging

Example: Arthrography – Imaging of a joint using contrast dye to assess joint structures such as cartilage, ligaments, and bones.

Term
-ic
Definition

 Pertaining to

Example: Thoracic – Pertaining to the thorax (chest), which houses the lungs, heart, and other vital structures.

Term
-itis
Definition

Inflammation

Example: Myositis – Inflammation of muscle tissue, which can be caused by infections, autoimmune disorders, or trauma.

Term
-lysis
Definition

Loosening, separating, dissolution

Example: Osteolysis – Destruction or dissolution of bone tissue, often seen in conditions like bone metastasis or infection.

Term
-malacia
Definition

Softening

Example: Chondromalacia – Softening of cartilage, particularly in the knee, leading to pain and difficulty with movement.

Term
-oid
Definition
  •                               Resembling

  • Example: Myeloid – Resembling bone marrow, often used to describe cells or tissues related to hematopoiesis.

Term
-oma
Definition
  •                                    Tumor

    Example: Rhabdomyoma – A benign tumor of muscle tissue, typically found in the heart or skeletal muscles.

Term
-osis
Definition

Abnormal condition

Example: Scoliosis – Abnormal curvature of the spine, which can cause back pain, reduced mobility, and postural issues.

Term
-penia
Definition

Abnormal reduction

Example: Sarcopenia – Loss of muscle mass and strength, often associated with aging, inactivity, or poor nutrition.

Term
-physis
Definition

 Growth

Example:Epiphysis – The growth end of a long bone, critical during childhood and adolescence for bone elongation.

Term
-plasty
Definition

Surgical repair

Example: Myoplasty – Surgical repair or reconstruction of damaged or weakened muscle tissue.

Term
-rrhaphy
Definition

Suturing, repairing

Example: Tenorrhaphy – Suturing of a torn or severed tendon to restore function and stability.

Term
-sarcoma
Definition

Malignant tumor

Example: Osteosarcoma – A malignant bone tumor commonly affecting children and young adults, requiring surgical and medical treatment.

Term
-scopy
Definition

Process of viewing, visual examination

Example: Arthroscopy – Visual examination of a joint using a specialized instrument to diagnose and treat joint conditions.

Term
-tomy
Definition
  •                             Incision, cut into

    Example: Myotomy – Surgical incision into a muscle, often performed to relieve tightness or treat muscle disorders.

Term
-trophy
Definition
  •  

                         Nourishment, development

    Example: Hypertrophy – Excessive development of tissue or an organ, commonly referring to increased muscle size due to exercise or compensatory growth.

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, clavicul/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

elvis, 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,tendin/o,tend/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
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
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
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

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

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

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

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