Musculoskeletal, Nervous, and Urinary Systems Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the musculoskeletal, nervous, urinary, reproductive, and immune systems, as well as common disorders and developmental disabilities.

Bones

Hard, rigid structures made of living cells surrounded by minerals that provide structure and support for the body.

Joints

Points where two or more bones meet, allowing for movement and flexibility.

Ligaments

Connective tissues that join bones together, typically in joints, to provide stability.

Tendons

Tissues that connect muscle to bone or another structure.

Cartilage

Strong, flexible connective tissue that protects joints and bones.

Closed (Simple) Fracture

A bone break where the skin remains intact.

Open (Compound) Fracture

A break where the broken bone pierces through the skin.

Reduction

The process of bringing broken bone ends back into normal alignment, either through closed manipulation or open surgery.

Compartment Syndrome

An increase in pressure within a muscle compartment that restricts blood flow, treated by fasciotomy.

Skeletal Traction

The use of a surgical pin placed through a bone with weights attached to align fractures, commonly used for the femur.

Osteomyelitis

Inflammation or infection of the bone marrow, often caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.

Phantom Limb Pain

Pain perceived in a missing limb that has been amputated, which can feel like burning, stabbing, or cramping.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by weakening of bones, making them porous and brittle due to a failure to absorb calcium properly.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

The most common type of arthritis where joint cartilage wears away, causing bones to rub together and form spurs.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

A persistent, progressive autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks connective tissue, primarily in the joints.

Gout

Also called metabolic arthritis, it is caused by the accumulation of uric acid in joint cartilage.

Muscular Dystrophy

A genetic disorder causing progressive weakening of voluntary muscles as muscle tissue is replaced by fatty and connective tissue.

Fibromyalgia

A syndrome causing widespread aching, stiffness, and fatigue in muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The division of the nervous system consisting of the brain and the spinal cord.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that regulates coordination and fine motor functions.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

A division of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) comprising the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) systems.

Aura

A sensory disturbance that may precede a seizure, serving as a warning to the individual.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain that serves as a warning sign of a stroke.

Aphasia

The loss of speech or language skills, commonly occurring after a stroke.

Aneurysm

A localized dilation or bulging of the wall of an artery or heart chamber.

Parkinson's Disease

A slow, progressive neurological disorder caused by a deficiency in dopamine, characterized by rigidity and tremors.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A progressive disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheaths surrounding nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a rapidly progressive fatal disease that destroys motor nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles.

Quadriplegia

Paralysis caused by cervical spinal cord injury, resulting in loss of sensory and muscle function in the arms, legs, and trunk.

Oliguria

Scant or decreased urine output.

Dysuria

Difficult or painful urination.

Hematuria

The presence of blood in the urine.

Stress Incontinence

The loss of small amounts of urine during physical exertion such as laughing, sneezing, or lifting.

Urge Incontinence

Involuntary loss of urine after feeling a strong, sudden urge to void.

Pyelonephritis

Inflammation of the kidney caused by a bacterial infection.

Renal Calculi

Solid masses formed in the kidneys, commonly referred to as kidney stones.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can obstruct the urethra and cause urination difficulties.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

A condition where pelvic organs such as the uterus, rectum, or bladder slip down into the vagina.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from the primary tumour to other parts of the body.

Medical Asepsis

Also known as clean technique, the practice of reducing potential pathogens and preventing their spread.

Fomite

A contaminated object such as bedding or utensils that facilitates indirect contact transmission of microbes.

Jaundice

A yellowing of the skin and eyes that is a common sign of hepatitis.

Hashimoto's Disease

An autoimmune disorder where antibodies attack thyroid gland proteins, leading to hypothyroidism.

Graves' Disease

An autoimmune disorder causing the overproduction of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism), often resulting in bulging eyes.

Reye's Syndrome

A rare, potentially fatal condition linked to the use of Aspirin (ASA) in individuals under 20 during viral illnesses.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

An inherited metabolic disorder where the body lacks the enzyme to process the amino acid phenylalanine.

Cataract

Clouding of the lens in the eye that prevents light from entering and causes blurry vision.

Glaucoma

An eye disease involving increased intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve and causes tunnel vision.

Presbycusis

A gradual, age-related decline in hearing, typically occurring after age 50.

Hydrocephalus

The buildup of fluid in the brain, which can increase pressure and is often treated with a surgical shunt.

Echolalia

The repetitive use of words or phrases, commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Spina Bifida Occulta

A closed type of spina bifida where vertebrae do not close but the spinal cord and nerves are typically normal.