Chapter 21: Musculoskeletal System

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering essential terms from the musculoskeletal system lecture notes.

Abduction

Moving a body part away from the midline of the body.

Adduction

Moving a body part toward the midline of the body.

Amputation

The surgical removal of part or all of a body part.

Arthritis

A general term that refers to inflammation of the joints.

Atrophy

Weakening or wasting away of muscles.

Bones

Rigid connective tissues that make up the skeleton, support body structures, allow movement, and protect organs.

Bursae

Tiny fluid-filled sacs located near joints that help reduce friction.

Bursitis

Inflammation and pain of the bursae.

Cartilage

Protective substance that covers the ends of bones and forms the discs between vertebrae.

Flexion

Bending a body part.

Fracture

A broken bone.

Full Weight-Bearing (FWB)

Doctor’s order indicating a person can support full body weight on both legs with no limitations.

Joints

Points where two bones meet; provide movement and flexibility.

Ligaments

Strong fibrous bands that connect bones or cartilage and support joints and movement.

Muscles

Tissues that contract and relax to produce motion, support the body, protect organs, and create heat.

Muscular Dystrophy

Inherited, progressive disease causing gradual muscle wasting, weakness, and deformity.

Non-Weight-Bearing (NWB)

Doctor’s order indicating a person must not touch the floor or support any weight on one or both legs.

Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease usually affecting weight-bearing joints such as hips and knees.

Osteopenia

Reduced bone density not severe enough to be classified as osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis

Condition in which bones become brittle and weak, making them easy to break.

Partial Weight-Bearing (PWB)

Doctor’s order indicating a person may support some body weight on one or both legs.

Phantom Limb Pain

Pain felt in a limb that has been amputated.

Phantom Sensation

Warmth, itching, or tingling perceived in an amputated body part.

Prosthesis

Artificial device that replaces a body part to improve function and/or appearance.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Autoimmune arthritis causing red, swollen, painful joints and possible deformities.

Sling

Bandage or material suspended from the neck to hold and support a forearm.

Tendons

Tough fibrous bands connecting muscle to bone.

Total Hip Replacement (THR)

Surgical replacement of the femoral head and hip socket with artificial materials.

Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

Surgical replacement of a damaged or painful knee with artificial materials.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary muscle attached to bones, producing body movement.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle found in organs such as intestines and blood vessels.

Cardiac Muscle

Specialized involuntary muscle of the heart that contracts 60–100 times per minute.