Musculoskeletal System

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and definitions related to the Musculoskeletal System.

Musculoskeletal System

The organ system consisting of bones, cartilage, and muscles that provides support, movement, and protection to the body.

Hematopoiesis

The process of producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the bone marrow.

Fibrous joints

Immovable or fixed joints connected by fibrous tissue, such as the sutures in the skull.

Cartilaginous joints

Slightly movable joints connected by fibrocartilaginous discs, as seen in the vertebrae.

Synovial joints

Freely movable joints enclosed in a joint cavity lined with a synovial membrane which secretes synovial fluid.

Bursa

An enclosed sac filled with synovial fluid located in areas of potential friction, such as in the shoulder and knee.

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)

The joint that connects the mandible to the temporal bone, allowing functions such as chewing and speaking.

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disease characterized by the wearing down of cartilage in the joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, characterized by pain and swelling.

Scoliosis

A lateral curvature of the spine, which may be functional (flexible) or structural (fixed).