Skeletal Terminology

Skeletal system

The bones, cartilage, ligaments, and joints that support and protect the body.

Bone marrow

Soft tissue inside certain bones where blood cells are produced.

Periosteum

Connective tissue membrane covering the outer surface of bone.

Compact bone

Dense outer bone tissue providing strength.

Spongy bone

Porous inner bone tissue containing spaces and often bone marrow.

Osteoblast

A cell that builds new bone.

Osteoclast

A cell that breaks down bone.

Osteocyte

A mature bone cell that maintains bone tissue.

Ossification

The process of bone formation.

Remodeling

The continuous process of bone breakdown and rebuilding.

Ligament

Connective tissue connecting bone to bone.

Cartilage

Flexible connective tissue that supports structures and cushions joints.

Joint

A location where two or more bones meet.

Synovial joint

A freely movable joint containing a joint cavity.

Synovial fluid

Fluid that lubricates and nourishes movable joints.

Fracture

A break or crack in a bone.

Closed fracture

A fracture in which the skin is not broken.

Open fracture

A fracture in which the broken bone communicates with an open wound.

Sprain

Stretching or tearing of a ligament.

Dislocation

A joint injury in which bones are forced out of normal position.

Osteoporosis

Disease characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk.

Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease involving cartilage breakdown.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Autoimmune disease causing inflammation of joints.

Gout

Inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystal buildup.

Scoliosis

Abnormal sideways curvature of the spine.

Kyphosis

Excessive outward curvature of the upper spine.

Lordosis

Excessive inward curvature of the lower spine.

Osteomyelitis

An infection of bone.

Osteomalacia

Softening of adult bones due to impaired mineralization.

Rickets

Childhood disorder involving defective bone mineralization.

Herniated disc

Intervertebral disc material protruding and potentially compressing nearby nerves.