Medical terminology

Chapter 6: Musculoskeletal System

  • Overview of the Musculoskeletal System

Learning Objectives

  • Recognize functions of the musculoskeletal system:

    • Protection

    • Support

    • Movement

    • Hematopoiesis

    • Storage of fat and minerals

  • Use chapter 6 word parts to build and analyze medical terms.

  • Understand structures, diagnostic terms, pathologies, and matching surgical interventions related to the musculoskeletal system.

  • Correctly spell terms related to the musculoskeletal system.

Functions of the Musculoskeletal System

  • Protection: Shields vital organs.

  • Support: Provides structure to the body.

  • Movement: Facilitates locomotion.

  • Hematopoiesis: Formation of blood cells in bone marrow.

  • Storage: Stores fat and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus.

Specialty/Specialist

  • Orthopedics: Medical specialty concerned with musculoskeletal system diseases.

  • Orthopedist: Physician specializing in musculoskeletal disorders.

Major Bones of the Body

  • Clavicle: clavicul/o

  • Cranium: crani/o

  • Costa: cost/o

  • Scapula: scapul/o

  • Sternum: stern/o

  • Spine: rachi/o, spin/o

  • Vertebrae: spondyl/o, vertebr/o

Vertebrae

  • Cervical: cervic/o (necks)

  • Thoracic: thorac/o (upper back)

  • Lumbar: lumb/o (lower back)

  • Sacrum: sacr/o (connects to pelvis)

  • Coccyx: coccyg/o (tailbone)

Major Bones of the Upper Extremity

  • Humerus: humer/o

  • Radius: radi/o

  • Ulna: uln/o

  • Carpals: carp/o

  • Metacarpals: metacarp/o

  • Phalanges: phalang/o

Major Bones of the Pelvic Region

  • Pelvis: pelv/i

  • Ilium: ili/o

  • Ischium: ischi/o

  • Pubis: pub/o

Major Bones of the Lower Extremity

  • Femur: femor/o

  • Patella: patell/o

  • Tibia: tibi/o

  • Fibula: fibul/o

Major Bones of the Ankle and Foot

  • Tarsals: tars/o

  • Calcaneus: calcane/o

  • Metatarsals: metatars/o

  • Phalanges: phalang/o

Cartilage

  • Dense connective tissue covering articular surfaces of joints.

  • Chondr/o: combining form meaning cartilage.

  • Chondral: pertaining to cartilage.

Additional Muscle Terms

  • Tendons: Connect muscles to bones.

  • Fascia: Protective sleeve covering muscles.

Articulations and Associated Structures

  • Articulation: A joint.

  • Synovial Joints: Freely movable joints with cavities between bones.

  • Bursae: Fluid sacs in areas of friction.

  • Ligaments: Connective tissue connecting bones or cartilage.

Surgical and Therapeutic Interventions

  • Interventions:

    • Closed reduction, open reduction

    • Electrical bone stimulation

    • Anti-osteoporotics

    • Vertebroplasty

  • Additional interventions include:

    • Osteectomy, ostectomy

    • Chondrectomy

    • Costectomy

    • Craniectomy, craniotomy, cranioplasty

    • Tendoplasty, myoplasty, laminectomy, diskectomy, bunionectomy

    • Arthrocentesis, arthroplasty, bone marrow transplant

Additional Therapeutic Terms

  • Medicines:

    • Muscle relaxants

    • Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)

    • Antiarthritics, Cox-2 inhibitors

    • DMARDs

Acronyms and Abbreviations

  • Common Terms:

    • C-1...C-7 (Cervical vertebrae)

    • DMARD (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug)

    • NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)

    • RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Quick Quizzes

  • What is NOT a function of the musculoskeletal system? (Correct answer: elimination of wastes)

  • What is tenomyoplasty? (Correct answer: repair of muscles and tendons)