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Musculoskeletal System Medical Terminology
musculoskeletal root words
19
Medical
Undergraduate 1
01/30/2026

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, 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 
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

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