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Musculoskeletal prefix/sufix/root words
Musculoskeletal prefix/sufix/root words
94
Medical
Not Applicable
08/31/2025

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
a-
Definition

Absence of, without

Example: Atrophy – Wasting away or reduction in muscle size due to lack of use, often resulting from prolonged immobility, nerve damage, or muscle disease.

Term
ab-
Definition

Away from

Example: Abduction – Movement of a limb away from the midline of the body, such as raising the arm or leg to the side, common in physical therapy and exercise routines.

Term
ad-
Definition

Toward

Example: Adduction – Movement of a limb toward the midline of the body, such as bringing the arm or leg back to its resting position after abduction.

Term
brady-
Definition

Slow

Example: Bradykinesia – Slowness of movement, often a symptom of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, affecting motor function and coordination.

Term
dys-
Definition

Painful, difficult, abnormal, labored

Example: Dystonia – A condition characterized by abnormal muscle tone or involuntary muscle contractions, which can lead to repetitive movements, abnormal postures, and impaired function.

Term
hyper-
Definition

Above, excessive

Example: Hypertonia – Excessive muscle tone, resulting in stiffness or rigidity, commonly seen in conditions like cerebral palsy or stroke.

Term
inter-
Definition

Between

Example: Intervertebral disc – A fibrocartilaginous structure located between the vertebrae of the spine, providing cushioning and flexibility.

Term
intra-
Definition

Within, in

Example: Intramuscular injection – An injection administered directly into a muscle, commonly used for vaccines or medication delivery.

Term
poly-
Definition

Many, much

Example: Polydactyly – A congenital condition characterized by having more than the normal number of fingers or toes, which may require surgical correction for functional or cosmetic reasons.

Term
sub-
Definition

Below, under

Example: Subscapularis muscle – A muscle located below the scapula (shoulder blade), playing a key role in shoulder rotation and stabilization.

Term
supra-
Definition

Above

Example: Suprapatellar – Refers to the area above the patella (kneecap), commonly associated with the suprapatellar bursa, which reduces friction and allows smooth movement of the quadriceps tendon over the femur.

Term
sym-
Definition

Together, joined

Example: Symphysis pubis – A cartilaginous joint where the two pubic bones meet in the pelvis, allowing slight movement for childbirth and pelvic flexibility.

Term
syn-
Definition

Together, joined

Example: Synarthrosis – A type of immovable joint where bones are joined together, such as in the skull, providing stability and protection to vital organs.

Term
-al
Definition

Pertaining to

Example: Femoral – Pertaining to the femur, the largest bone in the body, located in the thigh.

Term
-algia
Definition

Pain

Example: Myalgia – Pain in a muscle, often caused by overuse, injury, or systemic conditions like fibromyalgia.

Term
-ar
Definition

Pertaining to

Example: Patellar – Pertaining to the kneecap (patella), a small bone that protects the knee joint and assists in movement.

Term
-asthenia
Definition

Weakness

Example: Myasthenia – Muscle weakness, commonly associated with conditions like myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular function.

Term
-centesis
Definition

Surgical puncture to aspirate fluid

Example: Arthrocentesis – Surgical puncture of a joint to remove fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, often used to relieve swelling or analyze joint conditions.

Term
-clasia
Definition

Break

Example: Osteoclasia – Surgical breaking of bone tissue to correct deformities or aid in the healing process in severe cases.

Term
-clast
Definition

Break

Example: Osteoclast – A specialized bone cell that breaks down bone tissue during bone remodeling and repair.

Term
-desis
Definition

Surgical fixation, fusion

 

Example: Arthrodesis – Surgical fusion of a joint to provide stability and reduce pain, often used for severe arthritis.

Term
-ectomy
Definition

Excision, surgical removal, cutting out

Example: Tenectomy – Surgical removal of part of a tendon, often performed to treat chronic tendon inflammation or injury.

Term
-gram
Definition

The record, radiographic image

Example: Myogram – A record of muscle contraction activity, often used to diagnose neuromuscular disorders.

Term
-graphy
Definition

Process of recording, radiographic imaging

Example: Arthrography – Imaging of a joint using contrast dye to assess joint structures such as cartilage, ligaments, and bones.

Term
-ic
Definition

Pertaining to

Example: Thoracic – Pertaining to the thorax (chest), which houses the lungs, heart, and other vital structures.

Term
-itis
Definition

Inflammation 

Example: Myositis – Inflammation of muscle tissue, which can be caused by infections, autoimmune disorders, or trauma.

Term
-lysis
Definition

Loosening, separating, dissolution

Example: Osteolysis – Destruction or dissolution of bone tissue, often seen in conditions like bone metastasis or infection.

Term
-malacia
Definition

Softening

Example: Chondromalacia – Softening of cartilage, particularly in the knee, leading to pain and difficulty with movement.

Term
-oid
Definition

Resembling

Example: Myeloid – Resembling bone marrow, often used to describe cells or tissues related to hematopoiesis.

Term
-oma
Definition

Tumor

Example: Rhabdomyoma – A benign tumor of muscle tissue, typically found in the heart or skeletal muscles.

Term
-osis
Definition

Abnormal condition

Example: Scoliosis – Abnormal curvature of the spine, which can cause back pain, reduced mobility, and postural issues.

Term
-penia
Definition

Abnormal reduction

Example: Sarcopenia – Loss of muscle mass and strength, often associated with aging, inactivity, or poor nutrition.

Term
-physis
Definition

Growth

Example: Epiphysis – The growth end of a long bone, critical during childhood and adolescence for bone elongation.

Term
-plasty
Definition

Surgical repair

Example: Myoplasty – Surgical repair or reconstruction of damaged or weakened muscle tissue.

Term
-rrhaphy
Definition

Suturing, repairing

Example: Tenorrhaphy – Suturing of a torn or severed tendon to restore function and stability.

Term
-sarcoma
Definition

Malignant tumor

Example: Osteosarcoma – A malignant bone tumor commonly affecting children and young adults, requiring surgical and medical treatment.

Term
-scopy
Definition

Process of viewing, visual examination

Example: Arthroscopy – Visual examination of a joint using a specialized instrument to diagnose and treat joint conditions.

Term
-tomy
Definition

 Incision, cut into

Example: Myotomy – Surgical incision into a muscle, often performed to relieve tightness or treat muscle disorders.

Term
-trophy
Definition

Nourishment, development

Example: Hypertrophy – Excessive development of tissue or an organ, commonly referring to increased muscle size due to exercise or compensatory growth.

Term
phalang/o
Definition
phalages
Term
chondr/o
Definition
cartilage
Term
tibi/o
Definition
tibia
Term
cortic/o
Definition
outer portion
Term
metacarp/o
Definition
metacarpus
Term
ankyl/o
Definition
stiffness; bent, crooked
Term
articul/o
Definition
joint
Term
articul/o
Definition
joint
Term
brachi/o
Definition
arm
Term
burs/o
Definition
sac
Term
carpo
Definition
carpus (wrist bone)
Term
cephal/o
Definition
head
Term
cervic/o
Definition
neck
Term
clavicul/o
Definition
clavicle (collar bone)
Term
coccyg/o
Definition
coccyx
Term
cost/o
Definition
ribs
Term
crani/o
Definition
cranium (skull)
Term
dactyl/o
Definition
fingers; toes
Term
extens/o
Definition
to stretch out
Term
femor/o
Definition
femur (thigh bone)
Term
fibr/o
Definition
fiber, fibrous tissue
Term
fibul/o
Definition
fibula (smaller bone of lower leg)
Term
humer/o
Definition
humerus (upper arm bone)
Term
ili/o
Definition
ilium (lateral, flaring portion of hip bone)
Term
kines/o
Definition
movement
Term
medull/o
Definition
inner portion
Term
metacarp/o
Definition
metacarpus
Term
muscul/o
Definition
muscle
Term
my/o
Definition
muscle
Term
myel/o
Definition
bone marrow; spinal cord
Term
oste/o
Definition
bone
Term
pelv/i
Definition
pelvis
Term
plant/o
Definition
sole of foot
Term
pod/o
Definition
foot
Term
pub/o
Definition
pubis, pubic bone
Term
radi/o
Definition
radiation, x-ray
Term
sarc/o
Definition
flesh (muscular substance)
Term
BDT
Definition
Bone Density Testing
Term
CTS
Definition
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Term
EMG
Definition
Electromyography
Term
MD
Definition
Muscular Dystrophy
Term
MG
Definition
Myasthenia Gravis
Term
OA
Definition
Osteoarthritis
Term
OP
Definition
Osteoporosis
Term
OT
Definition
Occupational Therapy
Term
PKR
Definition
Partial Knee Replacement
Term
PMR
Definition
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Term
RA
Definition
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Term
ROM
Definition
Range of Motion
Term
RSD
Definition
Repetitive Stress Disorder
Term
THR
Definition
Total Hip Replacement
Term
TKR
Definition
Total Knee Replacement
Term

Achilles Tendon

Definition
  • Named After: Achilles, a hero of Greek mythology.

 

The tendon that connects the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone (calcaneus). It plays a critical role in walking, running, and jumping. Frequently injured in sports, leading to conditions such as Achilles tendinitis or ruptures.

Term

Paget's Disease of Bone

Definition

Named After: Sir James Paget, a British surgeon.

A chronic bone disorder causing abnormal bone remodeling, leading to weakened, enlarged, and deformed bones. It commonly affects the pelvis, skull, spine, and legs. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent fractures and manage symptoms.

Term

Baker's Cyst

Definition

Named After: William Morrant Baker, a British surgeon.

A fluid-filled sac located behind the knee, often resulting from joint inflammation or conditions like arthritis. A Baker’s cyst is common in patients with osteoarthritis or knee injuries. It can cause swelling, discomfort, and limited knee movement.

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