Major Structures

Related Combining Forms

Primary Functions

Bones

oss/e, oss/i, oste/o, ost/o

Act as the framework for the

body, protect the internal

organs, and store calcium

Bone Marrow

myel/o (also means spinal cord)

Red bone marrow helps form red

blood cells. Yellow bone marrow stores fat

Cartilage

chondr/o

Creates a smooth surface for

motion within the joints and

protects the ends of the bones

Joints

arthr/o

Work with the muscles to make a variety of motions possible

Ligaments

ligament/o

Connect one bone to another

Synovial Membrane

synovi/o, synov/o

Forms the lining of synovial joints and secretes synovial fluid

Synovial Fluid

synovi/o, synov/o

Lubricant that makes smooth

joint movements possible

Bursa

burs/o

Cushions areas subject to friction during movement