Musculoskeletal System Overview

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards for understanding key concepts and terminology related to the musculoskeletal system.

Musculoskeletal System

The system that provides structure, support, mobility, and protection for vital organs, consisting of bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues.

Bones

Rigid organs that make up the skeleton of vertebrates, composed of osseous tissue.

Connective Tissues

Tissues that support, bind together, and protect organs of the body.

Joints

These are structures where two or more bones meet, enabling movement.

Osseous Tissue

Bone tissue that can be classified into compact bone and spongy bone.

Compact Bone

Dense bone that forms the outer layer of bones and the shaft.

Spongy Bone

Bone with a porous structure found at the center and ends of bones.

Bone Marrow

The soft tissue found in the cavities of bones, responsible for blood cell production.

Red Marrow

The type of bone marrow responsible for producing blood cells.

Yellow Marrow

Bone marrow primarily composed of fat.

Periosteum

A membrane covering the bones that contains osteoblasts and blood vessels.

Ligaments

Tissues that connect bones together at joints, providing stability.

Axial Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the skull, vertebrae, and rib cage.

Appendicular Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the bones of the shoulders, hips, and limbs.

Types of Bones

Bones can be categorized as long, short, flat, and irregular.

Muscle Strength Testing

Assessing muscle strength by observing movement against resistance.

Passive Range of Motion (ROM)

Movement of a joint without the involvement of the client's muscles.

Active Motion

Movement performed by the client using their own muscle strength.

Rating Scale for Muscle Strength

A standardized scale to evaluate muscle strength from 0 to 5.

Rating 5

Active motion against full resistance.

Rating 4

Active motion against some resistance.

Rating 3

Active motion against gravity.

Rating 2

Passive ROM (gravity removed and assisted by examiner).

Rating 1

Slight flicker of contraction.

Rating 0

No muscular contraction.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by weak and brittle bones.

Fractures

Breaks in bones that can occur due to conditions like osteoporosis.

Dowager Hump

A spinal deformity usually caused by osteoporosis.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

Include factors like age, hormonal changes, and lifestyle habits.

Fibrous Joints

Joints connected by connective tissue that are immovable, e.g., sutures.

Cartilaginous Joints

Joints connected by cartilage, e.g., between vertebrae.

Synovial Joints

Complex joints filled with synovial fluid, allowing for movement.

Articular Cartilage

Smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones in synovial joints.

Bursae

Small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints.

Skeleton

The internal framework of bones in the human body.

206 Bones

The total number of bones in the adult human body.

Vertebrae

The individual bones that make up the spinal column.

Rib Cage

The structure formed by the ribs that encloses the thoracic cavity.

Humerus

The bone of the upper arm or forelimb.

Clavicle

The collarbone, a long bone that connects the arm to the body.

Femur

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

Pelvis

The structure of bones in the lower trunk that support the spine and contain organs.

Cervical Vertebrae

The seven vertebrae in the neck region.

Thoracic Vertebrae

The twelve vertebrae in the upper back, each associated with a rib.

Lumbar Vertebrae

The five vertebrae in the lower back.

Fibula

The long, thin bone of the lower leg next to the tibia.

Tibia

The shin bone, the larger and stronger of the two bones in the lower leg.

Scapula

The shoulder blade, connecting the humerus with the clavicle.

Sternum

The breastbone, located in the center of the chest.

Mandible

The lower jawbone, the largest and strongest bone of the face.

Radius

One of the two bones of the forearm, located on the thumb side.

Ulna

The second of the two bones of the forearm, located on the pinky side.

Tarsals

The seven bones that make up the ankle.

Metatarsals

The five long bones in the foot between the tarsals and phalanges.

Phalanges (Foot)

The bones that form the toes.

Carpals

The eight bones that make up the wrist.

Metacarpals

The five bones of the hand between the carpals and phalanges.

Phalanges (Hand)

The bones that form the fingers.

Osteoblasts

Cells responsible for bone formation.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone tissue.

Calcium Intake

The amount of calcium consumed, essential for bone health.

Vitamin D

A nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium.

Mobility

The ability to move freely and easily.

Assessment Techniques

Methods used to evaluate the health and function of the musculoskeletal system.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, often causing pain and dysfunction.

Range of Motion

The full movement potential of a joint.

Joint Stability

The ability of a joint to maintain its position and function.

Clinical Tip

Advice or note that provides practical guidance in clinical settings.

Muscle Contraction

The activation of tension in muscle fibers.

Active ROM

Movement performed by the patient without assistance.

Hypomobility

Decreased range of motion in a joint.

Hypermobility

Increased range of motion in a joint.

Pathological Fracture

Fractures that occur in weakened bone due to disease.

Weight-Bearing Exercise

Activities that force your body to work against gravity.