Health Science I: The Skeletal System Vocabulary

arthr-

joint

burs-

sac

carpo-

wrist

chondro-

cartilage

costo-

rib

cranio-

skull

endo-

within

inter-

between

-itis

inflammation

myelo

bone marrow

ortho

straight

-osis

abnormal condition

osteo

bone

peri-

around

pod-

foot

poro-

pore, duct, small opening

scolio

crooked, bent

spondylo

vertebra, spine ankle bones chest

tarso

ankle bones

thorac-

chest

Atlas

first cervical vertebra, jointed with the occipital bone allowing the head to nod

Axis

second cervical vertebra, forms a pivot that allows the head to turn

Bursae

fluid filled sac on the sides of the joint to help with friction

Closed fracture

broken bone that does not break through the skin

Compact bone

dense bone used to create the hard structure of the skeleton

Epiphysis

end of a long bone

Foramen

holes in the bone for blood vessels and nerves to pass through

Open fracture

broken bone that breaks through the skin

Osteoblasts

build up of bone cells

Osteoclasts

break down old bone cells

Osteocytes

are mature bone cells

Red marrow

spongy tissue inside long bones that helps to produce red blood cells

Spongy bone

porous bone usually at the epiphysis, surrounded by compact bone

Suture joint

junction between bones of the skull

Synovial fluid

clear, thick fluid that helps to lubricate a joint

Yellow marrow

spongy tissue in the middle of long bones that helps to store fat

Hematopoiesis

formation and development of blood cells