Skeletal System, Pathology, and Infectious Agents Review

A comprehensive vocabulary review of human skeletal anatomy, bone cells, joint types, pathological processes, neoplasm classifications, and infectious disease terminology.

Femur

The longest bone in the body, located in the thigh.

Synarthrotic joints

Joints that are immovable.

Diarthrotic joints

Freely movable joints characterized by structures including a joint capsule, articular cartilage, and ligaments.

Ball and socket joint

A type of joint structure exemplified by the shoulder joint.

Hinge joint

A type of joint structure exemplified by the elbow joint.

Knee joint

A joint whose structure permits movements of flexion and extension.

Chondrocytes

Cartilage cells.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells.

Endochondral ossification

The process by which most bones of the body are formed from cartilage models.

Divisions of the skeletal system

The two structural divisions of the human skeleton, consisting of the axial and appendicular skeletons.

Zygomatic bone

A facial bone located in the upper cheek.

Metacarpals

Bones that form the support structure for the palm of the hand.

Functions of bone

Skeletal functions that include support, hematopoiesis, protection, and mineral storage.

Periosteum

A strong fibrous membrane covering a long bone except at its joint surfaces.

Trabeculae

An assemblage of needlelike structures characteristic of spongy bone.

Diaphysis

The main shaftlike portion of a long bone.

Osteoporosis

An age-related skeletal disease characterized by loss of bone mineral density and increased bone fragility.

Prions

Pathogenic protein molecules that convert normal protein to abnormal proteins.

Vector

An organism that spreads disease to other organisms.

Vaccine

An attenuated pathogen given to a person to stimulate immunity.

Pathogenic fungi

Disease-causing fungi located mostly on or near the skin or mucous membranes.

Malignant neoplasm

A cancerous growth that is not encapsulated and migrates via the lymphatic or blood vessels.

Carcinomas

Malignant tumors that arise from epithelial tissues.

Adenoma

A type of benign tumor that forms from glandular epithelium.

Hyperplasia

A process characterized by the production of too many cells.

Radiography

The oldest and most widely used method of noninvasive imaging of internal body structures.

Inflammatory exudates

Fluid that accumulates in an inflamed tissue.

Chemotaxis

The movement of white blood cells in response to chemical attractants.