Hosa-Medical Terminology: Skeletal

Periosteum:

tough, fibrous tissue
covering the outermost part of the
bone. Tissue of the bone

Compact (Cortical) Bone:

dense,
hard bone that forms a protective
outer layer. Tissue of the bone

Spongy (Cancellous) Bone:

lighter, not as strong. Contains red
bone marrow. Tissue of the bone

The Medullary Cavity:

central
cavity of the shaft, contains red
and yellow bone marrow. Tissue of the bone

The Endosteum:

tissue that lines
the medullary cavity. Tissue of the bone

Red Bone Marrow:

a hemopoietic
tissue that produces red blood
cells, hemoglobin, white blood
cells, and thrombocytes. Bone marrow

Yellow Bone Marrow:

a fat
storage area. Bone marrow

Cartilage:

a smooth, rubbery
connective tissue that acts as a
shock absorber between bones.
Makes up the flexible parts of the
skeleton (outer ear, tip of nose). Cartilage

Articular Cartilage:

covers the
surface of bones where they form
joints. Protects joints from rubbing
against each other, allows for
smooth movement. Cartilage

The Meniscus:

curved, fibrous
cartilage found in some joints (e.g.
the knee, jaw). Cartiage

Osteoclasts

break down old/damaged bone

Osteoblasts

form new bone

The Diaphysis:

the shaft of the long bone. Anatomic landmarks of bone

The Epiphysis:

the ends of the
long bone. Anatomic landmarks of bone

A Foramen:

an opening in the
bone that allows blood vessels,
nerves, and ligaments to pass. Anatomic landmarks of bone

A Process:

surface of the bone that
acts as an attachment for muscles
or tendons. Anatomic landmarks of bone

Joints (articulations)

the union point of two or more
bones. Classified by construction or the degree of movement they allow joints

Fibrous Joints:

holds bones tightly together with dense
layers of connective tissue.
○ In adults, they are known as sutures, and are
immovable.
○ In newborns, they are soft and often moveable before
they solidify. joints

Cartilaginous Joints:

allow minimal movement, consist of
bones connected completely by cartilage (e.g. where the
ribs connect to the sternum, pubic symphysis). joints

Synovial Joints:

point where two bones articulate to
allow a variety of motion. Described based on their type of motion. joints

Ball and Socket Joint:

allow a wide range of
movement (e.g. shoulders, hips). joints

Hinge Joint:

allows movement in a single
direction/plane (e.g. elbows, knees). joints

Synovial Capsule:

outermost layer of
strong, fibrous tissue that surrounds
the joints like a sleeve. components of synovial joints

Synovial Membrane:

lines the
synovial capsule, secretes synovial fluid. components of synovial joints

Synovial Fluid:

a lubricant within the
synovial capsule that allows for
smooth movement. components of synovial joints

Ligaments:

bands of fibrous tissue
that connect bones to each other, or
bones to cartilage. Complex hinge
joints have many ligaments that allow
for a range of motion (e.g. knee). components of synovial joints

Bursa:

fibrous sac that cushions and
reduces friction in a joint where a
tendon passes over a bone (e.g.
shoulder, elbow, knee). components of synovial joints

Axial Skeleton

Protects the major organs of the neurological,
respiratory, and circulatory systems.
Consists of 80 bones in the head and trunk that
include:
■ Bones of the skull
■ Rib cage
■ Vertebral column Axial and appendicular skeleton

Appendicular Skeleton

Allow movement, and protects the major organs of
digestion, excretion, and reproduction.
Consists of 126 bones in the extremities than include:
■ Upper extremities (arms, wrists, hands).
■ Lower extremities (legs, ankles, feet). Axial and appendicular skeleton

Chiropractor:

specializes in the manipulative treatment
of disorders resulting from a misaligned spine. Involves
manual adjustment of the position of vertebrae. Medical specialties related to the skeletal system

Orthopedic Surgeon (Orthopedist):

a physician who
specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and
disorders involving the bones, joints, and muscles. Medical specialties related to the skeletal system

Osteopath:

uses traditional forms of medical treatment
in addition to specializing in treating health problems by
spinal manipulation. Medical specialties related to the skeletal system

Podiatrist:

specializes in diagnosing and treating
disorders of the foot. Medical specialties related to the skeletal system

Rheumatologist:

is a physician who specializes in the
diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and disorders that are
characterized by inflammation in the joints and
connective tissues. Medical specialties related to the skeletal system

Ankylosis:

loss/absence of mobility in a joint due to
disease, injury, or surgical procedure.
pathology of the skeletal system

Arthrosclerosis:

stiffness of the joints, especially in
the elderly. pathology of the skeletal system

Bursitis:

inflammation of a bursa. pathology of the skeletal system

Chondromalacia:

abnormal softening of cartilage. pathology of the skeletal system

Chondroma:

a slow-growing, benign tumor derived
from cartilage cells. pathology of the skeletal system

Costochondritis:

inflammation of the cartilage that
connects a rib to the sternum. pathology of the skeletal system

Hallux Valgus (Bunion):

an abnormal enlargement of
the joint at the base of the great toe.
pathology of the skeletal system

Hemarthrosis:

blood within a joint, often due to a
joint injury. Can occur spontaneously in patients on
blood-thinning medications, or those with a blood
clotting disorder such as hemophilia.
pathology of the skeletal system

Polymyalgia Rheumatica:

a geriatric-inflammatory
disorder of the muscles and joints characterized by
pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, upper arms,
hips, and thighs. pathology of the skeletal system

Sprain:

occurs when a ligament that connects bones
to a joint is wrenched or torn. pathology of the skeletal system

Synovitis:

inflammation of the synovial membrane
that results in swelling and pain of the affected joint.
Can be caused by arthritis, trauma, infection, or
irritation from damaged cartilage. pathology of the skeletal system

Dislocation (Luxation):

total displacement of a bone from its joint.
pathology of the skeletal system

Subluxation:

partial displacement of a bone from its joint.
pathology of the skeletal system

Arthritis:

An inflammatory condition of one or more joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis with differing causes. pathology of the skeletal system

Osteoarthritis:

Known as wear
-and
-tear arthritis, most commonly
associated with aging. It is a degenerative joint
disease, characterized by the wearing away of the
articular cartilage within the joints. ■ It is also characterized by hypertrophy of bone
and the formation of osteophytes (bone spurs).
pathology of the skeletal system

Spondylosis (Spinal Osteoarthritis):

can cause the
loss of normal spinal structure and function.
pathology of the skeletal system

Gouty Arthritis:

Known as gout, characterized by deposits of uric acid

in the joints. Uric acid is a by

-product that is normally
excreted by the kidneys. Gout develops when excess
uric acid, which is present in the blood, forms crystals
in the joints of the feet and legs. Rheumatoid Arthritis
○ Known as RA, a chronic autoimmune disorder in
which the joints and some organs of other body
systems are attacked.
■ As RA progressively attacks the synovial
membranes, they become inflamed and
thickened so that the joints are increasingly
swollen, painful, and immobile. pathology of the skeletal system

Ankylosing Spondylitis:

a form of rheumatoid
arthritis that primarily causes inflammation of the
joints between the vertebrae. pathology of the skeletal system

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis:

an autoimmune
disorder that affects children ages 16 years or less
with symptoms that include stiffness, pain, joint
swelling, skin rash, fever, slowed growth, and fatigue. pathology of the skeletal system

Herniated (Slipped/Ruptured) Disk:

the breaking
apart of an intervertebral disk that results in pressure
on spinal nerve roots. pathology of the skeletal system

Lumbago (low back pain):

pain of the lumbar region
of the spine. pathology of the skeletal system

Spondylolisthesis:

the forward slipping movement of
the body of one of the lower lumbar vertebrae on the
vertebra or sacrum below it. pathology of the skeletal system

Spina Bifida:

a congenital defect that occurs during
early pregnancy when the spinal canal fails to close
completely around the spinal cord to protect it. Some
cases of spina bifida are due to a lack of the nutrient
folic acid during the early stages of pregnancy.
pathology of the skeletal system

Kyphosis:

an abnormal increase in the outward
curvature of the thoracic spine as viewed from the
side. This condition, also known as humpback or
dowager’s hump, is frequently associated with aging. pathology of the skeletal system

Lordosis:

an abnormal increase in the forward
curvature of the lumbar spine. This condition is also
known as swayback. pathology of the skeletal system

Scoliosis:

an abnormal lateral (sideways) curvature of
the spine. pathology of the skeletal system

Craniostenosis:

a malformation of the skull due to

the premature closure of the cranial sutures.
pathology of the skeletal system

Fibrous Dysplasia:

a bone disorder of unknown cause
that destroys normal bone structure and replaces it
with fibrous (scarlike) tissue. This leads to uneven
growth, brittleness, and deformity of the affected bones. pathology of the skeletal system

Ostealgia (Osteodynia):

pain in a bone. pathology of the skeletal system

osteitis (ostitis)

inflammation of a bone. pathology of the skeletal system

Osteomalacia (adult rickets):

abnormal softening of
bones in adults. Usually caused by a deficiency of
vitamin D, calcium, and/or phosphate.
pathology of the skeletal system

Osteomyelitis:

inflammation of the bone marrow and
adjacent bone. The bacterial infection that causes
osteomyelitis often originates in another part of the
body and spreads to the bone via the blood.
pathology of the skeletal system

Osteonecrosis:

death of bone tissue due to
insufficient blood supply. pathology of the skeletal system

Paget’s Disease (Osteitis Deformans):

a bone
disease of unknown cause. Characterized by excessive
breakdown of bone tissue, followed by abnormal
bone formation. The new bone is enlarged, but
weakened and filled with new blood vessels.
pathology of the skeletal system

Periostitis:

inflammation of the periosteum. Often
associated with shin splints. pathology of the skeletal system

Rickets (Infantile Osteomalacia):

a deficiency
disease occurring in children. Characterized by
defective bone growth, results from a vitamin D
deficiency. pathology of the skeletal system

Short Stature (formally Dwarfism):

a condition
resulting from the failure of the bones of the limbs to
grow to an appropriate length compared to the size of
the head and trunk. pathology of the skeletal system

Talipes (Clubfoot):

any congenital deformity of the
foot involving the talus. pathology of the skeletal system

Primary Bone Cancer:

a relatively rare malignant
tumor that originates in a bone. Malignant means
becoming progressively worse and life-threatening. pathology of the skeletal system

Secondary Bone Cancer:

tumors that have
metastasized (spread) to bones from other organs
such as the breasts and lungs. pathology of the skeletal system

Myeloma:

a type of cancer that occurs in blood-
making cells found in the red bone marrow.
pathology of the skeletal system

Osteochondroma (Exostosis, Exostoses):

a benign
(non-life-threatening) bony projection covered with
cartilage. pathology of the skeletal system

Osteoporosis:

a marked loss of bone density and an
increase in bone porosity. Associated with aging. pathology of the skeletal system

Osteopenia:

thinner-than-average bone density.
Used to describe pre-osteoporosis. pathology of the skeletal system

Compression (Vertebral Crush) Fracture:

occurs
when the bone is compressed on itself. Can be caused
by the spontaneous collapse of weakened vertebrae
or can be due to an injury. Results in pain, loss of
height, and development of the spinal curvature
known as dowager’s hump. pathology of the skeletal system

Colles’ Fracture (fractured wrist):

occurs at the lower
end of the radius when a person tries to stop a fall by
landing on his or her hands. The impact of this fall
causes the bone weakened by osteoporosis to break. pathology of the skeletal system

Osteoporotic Hip Fracture (broken hip):

usually
caused by weakening of the bones due to
osteoporosis and can occur either spontaneously or as
the result of a fall. Complications from these fractures
can result in the loss of function, mobility,
independence, or death. pathology of the skeletal system

Closed (Simple, Complete) Fracture:

a bone is
broken, but there is no open wound in the skin. pathology of the skeletal system

Open (Compound) Fracture:

a bone is broken and
there is an open wound in the skin. pathology of the skeletal system

Comminuted Fracture:

a bone is splintered or
crushed. pathology of the skeletal system

Greenstick (Incomplete) Fracture:

a bone is bent and
only partially broken. Occurs primarily in children. pathology of the skeletal system

Oblique Fracture:

occurs at an angle across the bone.
pathology of the skeletal system

Pathologic Fracture:

occurs when a weakened bone
breaks under normal strain. Weakness can be a result
of osteoporosis or a disease process such as cancer. pathology of the skeletal system

Spiral Fracture:

a bone has been twisted apart.
Occurs as the result of a severe twisting motion such
as in a sports injury. pathology of the skeletal system

Stress Fracture:

a small crack in the bone that often
develops from chronic, excessive impact. pathology of the skeletal system

Transverse Fracture:

occurs straight across the bone. pathology of the skeletal system

Fat Embolus:

can form when a long bone is fractured
and fat cells from yellow bone marrow are released
into the blood. An embolus is any foreign matter
circulating in the blood that can become lodged and
block the blood vessel. pathology of the skeletal system

Crepitation (Crepitus):

the grating sound heard when
the ends of a broken bone move together. This term
also describes the clicking sound heard in the
movements of some joints. pathology of the skeletal system

Callus:

as the bone heals, forms as a bulging deposit
around the area of the break. This tissue eventually
becomes bone. pathology of the skeletal system

Radiograph (x-ray):

use of x-radiation to visualize bone fractures and other abnormalities. Diagnostic procedures of the skeletal system

Arthroscopy:

the visual examination of the internal structure of a joint using an arthroscope. Diagnostic procedures of the skeletal system

Bone Marrow Biopsy:

a diagnostic test that may be necessary after abnormal types/numbers of red or white blood cells are found in a complete blood count test. Diagnostic procedures of the skeletal system

Bone Marrow Aspiration:

the use of a syringe to withdraw the liquid bone marrow. Used to obtain tissue for diagnostic purposes or to collect bone marrow for medical procedures such as stem cell transplantation. Diagnostic procedures of the skeletal system

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):

used to image soft tissue structures such as the interior of complex joints. Not the most effective method of imaging hard tissues such as bone. Diagnostic procedures of the skeletal system

Bone Scans and Arthrocentesis:

additional diagnostic procedures. Diagnostic procedures of the skeletal system

Bone Density Testing:

Used to determine losses or changes in bone density. These tests are used to diagnose conditions such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, osteopenia, and Paget's disease. Diagnostic procedures of the skeletal system