NASM CPT Chapter 5 Vocabulary: Skeletal System & Joints

A set of 25 vocabulary flashcards covering the skeletal system and joints based on NASM CPT Chapter 5.

Skeletal system

A description of the bones of the body.

Osteoporosis

A condition of reduced bone mineral density, which increases risk of bone fracture.

Joints

The sites where two bones meet and movement occurs as a result of muscle contraction.

Axial skeleton

A division of the skeletal system consisting of the skull, the rib cage, and the vertebral column.

Appendicular skeleton

A division of the skeletal system consisting of the arms, legs, and pelvic girdle.

Levers

Rigid rods where muscles attach.

Remodeling

The process by which bone is constantly renewed by the resorption and formation of the bone structure.

Osteoclasts

Special cells that break down and remove old bone tissue.

Osteoblasts

Special cells that form and lay down new bone tissue.

Wolff's law

Scientific explanation of how remodeling (new bone growth) occurs along the lines of stress placed on the bone.

Depressions

Flattened or indented portions of bone.

Processes

Projections protruding from the bone where tendons and ligaments can attach.

Vertebral column

Bones that house the spinal cord; consists of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral regions.

Spinal cord

Bundle of nerves housed within the vertebrae.

Intervertebral discs

Fibrous cartilage structures between vertebrae that act as shock absorbers and assist with movement.

Neutral Spine

Represents a position in which the vertebrae and associated structures are under the least amount of load and can most optimally support functional movement.

Osteokinematics

Movement of a limb that is visible.

Arthrokinematics

The description of joint surface movement; consists of three major types: roll, slide, and spin.

Synovial joints

A joint with a fluid-filled joint capsule.

Nonsynovial joints

Joints that have no joint capsule, fibrous connective tissue, or cartilage in the uniting structure.

Nonaxial

A gliding joint that moves in only one plane, either back and forth or side to side.

Ligament

A fibrous connective tissue that connects bone to bone.

Collagen

A protein found in connective tissue, muscles, and skin that provides strength and structure. It is the most abundant protein in the human body.

Elastin

A protein that provides elasticity to skin, tendons, ligaments, and other structures.

Growth plate

A specialized cartilage disc located in the epiphysis that is responsible for longitudinal bone growth.