Pathophysiology of the Musculoskeletal System

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering basic anatomy, bone remodeling, diagnostic tools, and major musculoskeletal pathologies including OA, RA, Osteoporosis, and fractures.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions

Conditions that affect joints, bones, muscles, and sometimes associated tissues such as nerves, characterized by symptoms like pain, stiffness, and limited movement.

Skeletal System

A framework consisting of $206$ bones that provides form for the body, protects vital organs, and permits motion by acting as an attachment point for muscles.

Red bone marrow

Tissue found within bones that is responsible for the production of blood cells.

Yellow bone marrow

Tissue found within bones that functions to store triglycerides (fats).

Ligaments

Connective tissues that connect bone to bone.

Tendons

Connective tissues that connect bone to muscle.

Bone Remodeling

A continuous five-step process (Activation, Resorption, Formation, Mineralization, and Resting Phase) where old bone is removed and new bone is formed to keep the skeleton strong.

Osteoclasts

Cells that remove old or damaged bone during the resorption phase of bone remodeling.

Osteoblasts

Cells that build new bone (osteoid) in the space created during the resorption phase.

Arthroscopy

A diagnostic test used to visualize the inside of a joint cavity.

Myelography

A diagnostic procedure used to detect tumors or herniated discs.

Electromyography

A diagnostic test that measures the electrical activities of muscles.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

A degenerative joint disease involving the breakdown of articular cartilage, often described as a 'wear and tear' disease affecting weight-bearing joints.

Osteophytes

New bone spurs that develop across the margins of the bone as cartilage disintegrates in Osteoarthritis.

Crepitus

A grating, cracking, or popping sound heard in joints when cartilage becomes irregular, often associated with Osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

A chronic systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease where the immune system attacks the synovium, causing joint destruction and symmetrical swelling.

Pannus

Hyperplastic synovium formed during Rheumatoid Arthritis that leads to cartilage destruction and bone erosion.

Osteoporosis

A common metabolic bone disorder characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density where bone resorption exceeds bone formation.

Osteomyelitis

A bone infection caused by bacteria and sometimes fungi, leading to local inflammation, bone pain, fever, and chills.

Muscular Dystrophy

A group of inherited disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of skeletal muscles.

Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome

A group of disorders characterized by pain and stiffness affecting muscles, tendons, and surrounding soft tissues rather than the joints.

Colles fracture

A fracture of the wrist specifically involving the distal radius.

Potts fracture

A fracture of the ankle specifically involving the distal fibula.

Hematoma

A blood clot that forms immediately after a fracture due to ruptured blood vessels in the bone and periosteum.

Soft callus

A bridge of fibrocartilage that forms $1$ to $3$ weeks after a fracture to connect the bone ends.

Hard callus

Woven bone that replaces the soft callus $3$ to $6$ weeks after a fracture to stabilize the fragments.

Reduction

The process of restoring a fractured bone to its normal position, which can be 'Closed' or 'Open'.

Gout

A condition resulting from the deposit of uric acid and urate crystals in the joint, triggering an acute inflammatory response.

Hyperuricemia

The overproduction or underexcretion of uric acid, leading to the formation of Monosodium urate crystals in synovial fluids.