The Skeletal System Root Words

Vocabulary flashcards covering skeletal system medical root words, prefixes, suffixes, and example anatomical terms.

Ili- (lli-)

Root word meaning pelvis; exemplified in ilium, the uppermost part of the pelvis.

ischi-

Root word related to the pelvis; exemplified in ischium, the curved bone of the pelvis.

Meta-

Prefix meaning middle.

-carpals

Root word meaning wrist.

Metacarpals

The middle bones of the wrist.

Arthr-

Root word meaning joints (exemplified in arthritis, inflammation in the joints).

Articul-

Root word meaning joints (exemplified in articulations, joints in the body).

Burs-

Root word meaning a fluid filled sac.

-itis

Suffix meaning inflammation.

Bursitis

Inflammation of a fluid-filled sac / joint fluid.

Hema(to)-

Root word meaning blood.

-poiesis

Suffix meaning formation.

Hematopoiesis

Blood cell formation.

Osteo- / Osseo-

Root words meaning bone.

-clast

Suffix meaning breaking down.

Osteoclast

A cell that breaks down old bone matrix.

Chond-

Root word meaning cartilage.

-blast

Suffix meaning formation.

Chondroblasts

Cells that make or form cartilage matrix.