Musculoskeletal System Overview

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the musculoskeletal system and associated pathologies.

Bones

Hard, dense structures that make up the skeleton, providing support and protection for the body.

Cartilage

Flexible connective tissue that covers the ends of bones at joints and provides support.

Ligaments

Connective tissues that connect bones to other bones at joints, providing stability.

Tendons

Connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, enabling movement.

Joints

Structures where two or more bones meet, allowing for varying degrees of movement.

Wolff’s Law

The principle stating that bone is remodeled in response to the forces placed upon it; enhanced where needed and resorbed when not used.

Osteomyelitis

A severe pyogenic infection of bone and local tissue.

Scoliosis

Lateral curvature of the spine, often presented in an 'S' or 'C' shape.

Osteoporosis

A metabolic bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects joints and causes pain and swelling.

Gouty Arthritis

A type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid, leading to painful joint attacks.

Articular Cartilage

Covers the ends of bones at joints and withstands stress imposed by movement.

Myasthenia Gravis

A chronic autoimmune disease affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing muscle weakness.

Muscular Dystrophy

A group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration.

Calcium's Role in Muscle Contraction

Essential for exposing actin to myosin by displacing tropomyosin; too little calcium prevents contraction.

Fascia

Connective tissue that surrounds muscles and groups them into functional units.

Trabecular Bone

Also known as spongy bone, it is lighter and helps to accommodate loads placed on the bone.

Periosteum

The outermost layer of bone, which serves as an attachment point for tendons and ligaments.