Musculoskeletal System Overview

These flashcards encompass key terms and concepts related to the musculoskeletal system, including anatomy, physiology, pathologies, assessments, and diagnostic procedures.

Arthrocentesis

A procedure to remove fluid from a joint using a needle.

Arthroscopy

A minimally invasive surgical procedure on a joint using an endoscope.

Crepitation or crepitus

A grating sound or sensation produced by friction between bone and cartilage or the fractured parts of a bone.

Gout

A form of arthritis characterized by severe pain, redness, and tenderness in joints, caused by the accumulation of uric acid.

Osteoblast

A cell that secretes the matrix for bone formation.

Osteoclast

A cell that breaks down bone tissue.

Resorption

The process by which the body removes bone tissue, essential for growth and repair.

Synovitis

Inflammation of the synovial membrane, often causing pain and swelling.

Musculoskeletal System

Consists of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilages that enable movement and support the body.

Femur

The thigh bone, the longest bone in the human body.

Quadriceps tendon

A tendon connecting the quadriceps muscle to the patella.

Patella

The kneecap, a flat, circular bone located in front of the knee joint.

Articular cartilage

Smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints.

Medial meniscus

C-shaped cartilage that absorbs shock and stabilizes the knee joint.

Lateral meniscus

C-shaped cartilage located on the outer side of the knee that provides cushioning.

Tibia

The shinbone, the larger of the two bones in the lower leg.

Fibula

The smaller bone located on the lateral side of the tibia in the lower leg.

Bone Remodeling

The continuous process of bone resorption and formation.

Calcium

An essential nutrient and mineral necessary for bone health.

Phosphate

A mineral that is critical for bone development, structure, and maintenance.

Growth Hormone

Hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration.

Thyroxine

Hormone that regulates metabolism and stimulates osteoblasts.

Parathyroid Hormone

Hormone that regulates calcium levels in the blood and bone metabolism.

Calcitonin

Hormone that helps regulate calcium levels by promoting calcium deposition in bones.

Appendicular Skeleton

The portion of the skeleton that includes the limbs and girdles.

Axial Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that consists of the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.

Cervical vertebrae

The first seven vertebrae in the neck region.

Thoracic vertebrae

The twelve vertebrae located in the upper and mid-back.

Lumbar vertebrae

The five vertebrae located in the lower back.

Sacrum

A large, triangular bone at the base of the spine formed by the fusion of five vertebrae.

Coccyx

The tailbone, formed by four fused vertebrae.

Scoliosis

Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.

Kyphosis

Exaggerated forward rounding of the back.

Lordosis

Excessive outward curvature of the spine, resulting in a swayback appearance.

Synovial joints

Freely movable joints characterized by a fluid-filled joint capsule.

Perimysium

The connective tissue surrounding a fascicle of muscle fibers.

Epimysium

The outer connective tissue layer surrounding an entire muscle.

Endomysium

The connective tissue that surrounds individual muscle fibers.

Myofibril

Structural units of a muscle cell containing actin and myosin filaments.

Acetylcholine (Ach)

A neurotransmitter that transmits signals from nerve cells to muscles.

Troponin

A protein that binds calcium ions and facilitates muscle contraction.

Calcium ion (Ca2+)

An essential ion that plays a key role in muscle contraction.

Myalgia

Muscle pain, often arising from overuse or injury.

Rhabdomyolysis

A serious syndrome caused by muscle injury that results in the breakdown of muscle tissue.

Bone Density Scan

A test used to measure bone strength and density.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A diagnostic imaging technique used to visualize internal structures of the body.

Computed Tomography (CT)

An imaging method that uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of cross-sections of the body.

Ultrasonography

An imaging technique that uses sound waves to visualize soft tissues.

Muscle biopsy

A procedure to remove a small piece of muscle tissue for diagnostic testing.

Neurovascular assessment

Evaluation of neurological and vascular status, including sensation, movement, and blood flow.