Adult Health Musculoskeletal Exam Ultimate Study Guide

Skeletal system core function: Support

Provides the structural framework for the human body.

Skeletal system core function: Protection

Shields internal vital organs and tissues from external trauma.

Skeletal system core function: Movement

Voluntary and involuntary muscles exert mechanical pull on bones across joints to initiate locomotion and physical work.

Skeletal system core function: Mineral storage

The dense bone matrix stores vital minerals, primarily calcium and phosphorus; when serum $Ca^{2+}$ levels drop, bone resorption occurs to restore serum electrolyte homeostasis.

Skeletal system core function: Hematopoiesis

Red bone marrow conducts the process of blood cell formation, generating erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes.

Tendon

Dense fibrous connective tissue bands that anchor skeletal muscle firmly to bone surfaces.

Tendon sheath

A protective tubular double layer containing lubricating synovial fluid to ease tendon gliding.

Synovial fluid

Viscous, clear lubricating fluid situated inside joint cavities to reduce friction and allow frictionless articulation.

Ligament

Tough, flexible fibrous connective tissue cords that connect bone to bone, maintaining joint stability.

Fascia

Sheet or band of tough fibrous tissue that encloses, compartmentalizes, and separates individual muscles and muscle groups.

Types of body movements: Flexion

A bending action that decreases the angle between two articulating bones.

Types of body movements: Extension

A straightening action that increases the angle between articulating bones.

Muscular system physiology: Continuous physical motion

Enables continuous physical motion, maintenance of posture, and internal heat generation.

Motor Unit

An anatomical functional unit comprised of $1$ artery, $2$ veins, and $1$ motor nerve innervating muscle fibers.

Acetylcholine

The essential neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junction to transmit chemical depolarization signals to muscle endplates.

Atrophy

Progressive shrinking, wasting, and loss of functional muscle mass stemming from prolonged disuse or denervation.

Herniation

Herniated nucleus pulposus (Herniated disk) characterized by clinical assessment findings such as radicular nerve pain and reduced spinal range of motion.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Compressive neuropathy of the median nerve situated at the volar aspect of the wrist.

Fracture definition

A full or partial break in the structural continuity of bone tissue, arising from acute, high-impact forces or underlying bone pathology.

Open (Compound) Fracture

Broken bone cortex pierces through the cutaneous tissue envelope, exposing the site to severe bacterial infection risks.

Closed (Simple) Fracture

Bone fractures internally without penetrating or puncturing the overlying cutaneous barrier.

Total Hip Replacement (THR) / Hip Arthroplasty

Replacement of both the femoral head and acetabulum, indicated for advanced osteoarthritis and joint trauma.

Gouty Arthritis (Gout)

Inborn error of purine metabolism or impaired renal excretion producing systemic hyperuricemia.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder targeting synovial membranes of diarthrotic joints.

Osteoporosis

Progressive loss of bone mineral density leading to architectural deterioration and increased fracture risk.

Bisphosphonates (Alendronate / Fosamax)

Interacts with osteoclasts to inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, decreasing turnover and facilitating calcium retention.

Corticosteroids

Synthetic analogs of endogenous adrenal cortisol exerting potent anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting COX pathways.