Arthritis and Skeletal System Review

Flashcards covering the definition, types, symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of arthritis, as well as components and functions of bone tissue, the skeletal system (axial and appendicular), and joints.

Arthritis

A broad term referring to joint disease, with more than 100 different types.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

A type of arthritis characterized by 'wear and tear' of cartilage and degeneration over time.

Inflammatory arthritis

A type of arthritis caused by immune system issues, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis.

Gout

A specific type of arthritis caused by crystal accumulation.

Juvenile arthritis

A type of arthritis with onset before age 16.

Common Arthritis Symptoms

Joint pain, stiffness or reduced range of motion, swelling, warmth, and redness around joints.

Osteoarthritis pain aggravation

Pain aggravated by activity in osteoarthritis.

Inflammatory arthritis stiffness

Stiffness more prevalent after rest or inactivity, particularly morning stiffness.

Risk factors for Arthritis

Age, sex/gender (some types more in females), obesity, family history/genetics, joint injuries, physically demanding joint use, and smoking tobacco.

Diagnostic methods for Arthritis

Clinical history & physical exam, imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI), and blood tests (for uric acid, autoimmune markers, infection).

Arthritis treatment goals

Symptom relief, slowing progression, and maintaining function, as most types have no cure.

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used for pain relief in arthritis.

Corticosteroids

Medications, sometimes given as injections, used for arthritis flare-ups.

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

Medications used for inflammatory types of arthritis like rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.

Non-medication treatments for Arthritis

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, low-impact exercise, and a healthy diet.

Joint replacement (arthroplasty)

A surgical option for severe arthritis when other treatments are insufficient.

Arthritis prevention strategies

Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding joint injuries, regular low-impact exercise, and avoiding smoking.

Osteoblasts

Cells responsible for building new bone tissue.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells responsible for maintaining bone tissue.

Osteoclasts

Cells responsible for resorbing (breaking down) bone tissue.

Bone matrix

Composed of an organic portion (collagen fibers, ground substance) and inorganic minerals (hydroxyapatite, calcium, phosphate) for strength and rigidity.

Bone classification by shape

Long bones, short bones, flat bones, and irregular bones.

Compact bone (cortical bone)

The dense, outer layer of bone tissue.

Spongy bone (trabecular bone)

The lighter, less dense inner bone tissue with a network of trabeculae.

Ossification

The process of bone formation, including intramembranous and endochondral ossification.

Bone remodeling

A continuous process throughout life involving the balance of bone resorption and deposition.

Functions of the Skeletal System

Support, protection of organs, leverage for movement, mineral storage (calcium, phosphorus), blood cell formation, and energy storage.

Axial Skeleton

Consists of the skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage, and hyoid bone, protecting the brain, spinal cord, and thoracic organs.

Appendicular Skeleton

Consists of the upper limbs, lower limbs, shoulder girdle, and pelvic girdle, primarily responsible for movement and locomotion.

Joint (Articulation)

A place where two bones meet, allowing movement and providing stability.

Fibrous joints

Joints with no cavity, where bones are held together by fibrous connective tissue (e.g., sutures), typically immovable (synarthrosis).

Cartilaginous joints

Joints where bones are held together by cartilage (e.g., intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis), typically slightly movable (amphiarthrosis).

Synovial joints

Joints with a joint cavity, synovial fluid, and articular cartilage, allowing for the most movement (diarthrosis).

Synarthrosis

An immovable joint.

Amphiarthrosis

A slightly movable joint.

Diarthrosis

A freely movable joint.

Key Synovial Joint Features

Articular cartilage, joint cavity, synovial membrane, synovial fluid, ligaments, and sometimes bursae and tendons.