Physical Activity & Immobility

Vocabulary flashcards covering skeletal physiology, joint types, body mechanics, exercise classifications, disease processes, positioning, and patient transfer equipment.

Osteoclasts

Special cells that break down old or damaged bone tissue.

Osteoblasts

Cells that repair and build new bone.

Synarthroses

Moveable joints, such as the sutures between cranial bones.

Amphiarthrosis

Joints with limited movement, such as those between vertebrae or pubic bones.

Diarthroses (Synovial joints)

Freely moveable joints containing synovial fluid and articular cartilage to prevent friction.

Ligaments

Tough and strong fibrous tissue that connects most moveable joints.

Tendons

Fibrous tissue that attaches muscle to bone.

Point of Origin

The site of muscle attachment on the more stationary bone.

Point of Insertion

The site of muscle attachment on the more flexible bone.

Autonomic Nervous System

Composed of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems; controls involuntary muscles such as the heart, blood vessels, and glands.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary skeletal muscles when there is a conscious decision to move a body part.

Center of Gravity

The point in the body where mass is distributed.

Base of Support

The area or structure that holds the body up.

Proprioception

Awareness of posture and movement, coordinated by the cerebellum.

Active Range of Motion (AROM)

Movement of a joint through its full range without assistance.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM)

Assisting a patient with moving a joint through its range of motion.

Isometric Exercise

Muscle contraction that occurs without movement of the joint.

Isotonic Exercise

Movement of a joint during muscle contraction.

Isokinetic Exercise

Exercise performed with a special apparatus that provides variable resistance.

Aerobic Exercise

Exercise that requires oxygen and metabolic pathways, uses large muscle groups, and increases heart and respiratory rates.

Anaerobic Exercise

Exercise in which the amount of oxygen needed to perform the activity exceeds the amount required or available.

Heat Exhaustion

A potentially life-threatening condition from exercising in heat, characterized by light-headedness, nausea, headache, fatigue, loss of concentration, abdominal and leg cramps, elevated temperature, and cold, clammy skin.

Syndactylism

A congenital abnormality characterized by webbed hands or feet.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

A condition characterized by brittle bones that can cause spontaneous fractures.

Achondroplasia

A form of dwarfism in which bones ossify prematurely.

Paget's Disease

A metabolic bone disease causing increased bone loss.

Osteoarthritis

The most prevalent joint disease, characterized by a loss of cartilage leading to pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disease causing chronic inflammation of the joint and connective tissue.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

A chronic inflammatory disease affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints.

Gout

Inflammation caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood forming crystals in synovial fluid.

Osteomyelitis

An infection of the bone occurring after bone injury or surgery when bacteria enter bone channels.

Sprain

A stretching or tearing injury affecting ligaments.

Strain

An injury resulting from excessive stress on a muscle.

Multiple Sclerosis

A central nervous system disorder affecting nerve transmission.

Myasthenia Gravis

An autoimmune disease impacting the neuromuscular system.

Foot Drop

A complication that results from long-term bed placement.

Fowler's Position

A semi-sitting positioning for patients.

Lateral Position

A side-lying positioning for patients.

Prone Position

A positioning where the patient lies on their abdomen.

Sims' Position

A semi-prone position where arms and legs are flexed to promote drainage from the mouth.

Supine Position

A positioning where the patient lies flat on their back.

Logrolling

A movement performed by at least two staff members where the patient's spine remains aligned while rolling side to side.

Abduction Pillow

A foam wedge device placed between a patient's legs to maintain proper positioning and joint separation.

Transfer Board

A board used to facilitate smooth transfers between surfaces such as a bed and a wheelchair.

Mechanical Lift

A motorized or manual device with a sling used to safely lift and transfer immobile patients.