muscle 1-2025-03-10T17:37:18.229Z
Medical Terminology Foundations
Medical terminology often includes Greek and Latin roots, which provide meanings to specific terms used in healthcare. Understanding these roots can aid in comprehending complex medical terms.
Examples of Prefixes and Terms
Patella
Definition: Refers to the kneecap; literally means "little dish."
Description: Bone is convexed on the outside and concaved on the inside, resembling a dish.
Encephalo
Definition: Pertains to the head; specifically relates to the brain.
Associated Term: Encephalitis – inflammation of the brain.
Key Word Parts and their Meanings
Ankalo: Diffuse or bind.
Anthropo: Human.
Arthro: Joint.
Articulo: Joint.
Axolo: Armpit.
Brachio: Upper arm.
Bucco: Cheek.
Calcs: Heel.
Capito: Pertains to the head.
Carpo: Wrist.
Cephalo: Head.
Cervico: Neck.
Chiro: Hand.
Chondro: Cartilage.
Clido: Clavicle.
Condo: Knuckle.
Costo/Pleura: Rib.
Cocxa/Ischio: Hip joint.
Cranio: Skull.
Cubito: Ulna, elbow, or forearm.
Dactylo: Fingers, toes, or phalanges.
Dento/Danto/Odonto: Tooth.
Dorso: Back.
Fascio/Facit: Face.
Fibro: Fiber.
Frans/Fronto: Forehead or in front of something.
Genu: Knee.
Gingivo: Gum.
Glosso/Linguo: Tongue.
Hallux: Great toe.
Hammertoe: Defect.
Ilio/Ilium: Flank.
Inguino: Groin.
Lamino: Thin flat plate of the vertebra.
Laparoe: Belly.
Ligo/Desis: To bind.
Lumbro: Loin.
Meno: Hand.
Milio: Limbs.
Mento/Genio: Chin.
Myello: Spinal cord or marrow.
Myo/Myos: Muscle.
Nario/Naress: Opening to the nose.
Naso/Rhino: Nose.
Muca: Back of the neck.
Occipito: Back of the head.
Olmo: Shoulder.
Scapulo: Shoulder blade.
Oro/Os/Stoma: Mouth.
Orbito: Bony socket or cavity (like the eye socket).
Osteo: Bone.
Palmo: Palm of the hand.
Pecto/Stetho/Thoraco: Pertaining to the chest.
Pedo/Podo/Pes: Foot.
Ped/Peda: Child; Pedia: To educate.
Planto: Sole of the foot.
Pollux: Thumb.
Populus: Back of the knee.
Phalangeo: Digits.
Rachio: Spine.
Sacro: Saucer or sacred; also relates to sacrum.
Spondylo: Vertebra.
Sterno: Sternum or breastbone.
Talus: Ankle.
Tarso: Instep of the foot.
Teno/Tendo/Tendino: Stretcher, tense, or tone.
Joint Movement Terminology
Flexion
Definition: The process of bending a joint, decreasing the angle between bones.
Example: Bending the elbow.
Extension
Definition: The process of increasing the angle of a joint.
Example: Straightening a bent elbow.
Abduction
Definition: The process of drawing a limb away from the midline of the body.
Example: Lifting the leg sideways.
Adduction
Definition: The process of drawing a limb toward the midline of the body.
Example: Bringing the leg back toward the center.
Inversion and Eversion
Inversion: Turning something inward.
Eversion: Turning something outward.
Body Cavities and Regions
Major Body Cavities
Cranial Cavity: Houses the brain.
Thoracic Cavity: Contains the lungs and heart.
Abdominal Cavity: Contains most digestive structures.
Pelvic Cavity: Located below the abdominal cavity.
Spinal Cavity: Holds the spinal cord inside the vertebrae.
Abdominopelvic Regions
Divided into Four Quadrants:
Upper Right Quadrant (URQ)
Lower Right Quadrant (LRQ)
Upper Left Quadrant (ULQ)
Lower Left Quadrant (LLQ)
Divided into Nine Regions:
Epigastric Region: Above the stomach.
Umbilical Region: Around the navel.
Hypogastric Region: Below the stomach.
Lumbar Regions: Located on each side of the umbilical region.
Inguinal Regions: Located on each side of the hypogastric region.
Hypochondriac Regions: Above the lumbar regions, near the ribs.
Skeletal and Muscular Systems
Bones of the Skeleton
Total Number of Bones: 206.
Axial Skeleton: 80 bones in the head and trunk.
Appendicular Skeleton: 126 bones in the limbs.
Cartilage and Connective Tissues
Cartilage: Connective tissue that provides structure and support between bones.
Ligaments: Connective tissue bands that hold bones together.
Tendons: Attach muscle to bone, facilitating movement.
Muscle Structure and Function
Muscle Components
Myofilaments: Smallest components of muscle fibers.
Myofibril: Group of myofilaments.
Muscle Fiber Bundles: Comprised of myofibrils, surrounded by endomysium.
Fasciculus: Group of muscle fiber bundles surrounded by epimysium.
Muscle Diseases
Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy:
Genetic defect leading to muscle integrity loss; affects skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles.
Symptoms: Progressive muscle weakness, often wheelchair-bound by puberty, with rapid heart rate and breathing difficulties.
Myasthenia Gravis:
Autoimmune condition causing muscle weakness, particularly in the face and throat.
Diagnosis: Electromyography, anti-AChR antibody testing.
Treatments: Anticholinesterase drugs, corticosteroids, and surgery.
Fibromyalgia:
Chronic pain in fibromuscular tissues due to various factors, including autoimmune responses.
Common pain locations: Neck, lower back.
Treatment options include medications and lifestyle adjustments.
Anterior Poliomyelitis:
Inflammation of the spinal cord's anterior motor horn due to viral infection.
Can cause paralysis and affects motor impulses.