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Musculoskeletal System Medical Terminology
medical flash cards
95
Medical
Not Applicable
05/12/2025

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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, is common in physical  therapy and exercise routines 

 

Term
ad-
Definition
Toward Example: Adduction- movement of the limb towards 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
 Below, under Example: Subscapularis muscle – A muscle located below the scapula (shoulder blade), playing a key role in shoulder rotation and stabilization.
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 condition like fibromyalgia

 

Term
-ar
Definition

pertaining to Example: patellar- pertaining to the kneecap (patella), a small bone in the knee joint, and assists in movement

 

Term
-asthenia
Definition
weakness Examples: Myasthenia- muscle weakness, commonly associated with conditions like myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular function
Term
-centesis
Definition
surgical procedure 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 assess joint structure 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 the muscle tissue, which can be caused by infections, autoimmune disorders or trauma
Term
-lysis
Definition
Loosening, separating, and dissolution of the bone tissue, often seen in conditions like bone metastasis or infection
Term
-malacia
Definition
softening Example: chondromalacia- softening of the 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, repair  Example: Tenorrhaphy- suturing of 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 referred to as increased muscle size due to exercise or compensatory growth 
Term
ankyl/o
Definition
stiff or bent
Term
arthr/o
Definition
joint
Term
carp/o
Definition
carpals
Term
chondr/o
Definition
cartlidge
Term
clavic/o
Definition
clavicle, collarbone
Term
cost/o
Definition
ribs
Term
crani/o
Definition
cranium
Term
electr/o
Definition
electricity; electrical activity
Term
fasci/o
Definition
fascia
Term
fibr/o
Definition
fibrous
Term
kinesi/o
Definition
movement, motion
Term
kyph/o
Definition
increased convexity of the spine
Term
lamin/o
Definition
lamina (thin flat plate or layer)
Term
leiomy/o
Definition
smooth(visceral) muscle that lines the walls of the internal organs
Term
lord/o
Definition
bent forward, increased concavity of the spine
Term
lumb/o
Definition
loin, lumbar region of the spine
Term
mandibul/o
Definition
mandible, lower jaw bone
Term
maxill/o
Definition
maxilla, upper jawbone
Term
menisc/o
Definition
meniscus, crescent
Term
my/o
Definition
muscle
Term
myel/o
Definition
marrow(bone) spinal cord
Term
oste/o
Definition
bone
Term
,patell/o
Definition
patella, knee cap
Term
pelv/i
Definition
pelvis, pelvic bone
Term
pelv/o
Definition
pelvis, pelvic bone
Term
petr/o
Definition
stone
Term
phalang/o
Definition
bones of the fingers and toes
Term
plant/o
Definition
sole of the foot
Term
pub/o
Definition
pubis (hipbone)
Term
rachi/o
Definition
vertebral spine, vertebral column
Term
rhabd/o
Definition
rod-shaped, straited
Term
sarc/o
Definition
flesh, collective tissue
Term
scoli/o
Definition
crooked, curved
Term
spondyl/o
Definition
vertebra, spine vertebral column
Term
tars/o
Definition
tarsals, ankle bone
Term
ten/o
Definition
tendon
Term
vertebr/o
Definition
vertebra, spine, vertebral column
Term
BDT- bone density testing
Definition
A diagnostic test used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and determine the strength of bones. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions like osteoporosis and assess fracture risk. Techniques include dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).
Term
CTS- carpel tunnel syndrome
Definition
A condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers, often associated with repetitive motions like typing or assembly work.
Term
EMG- Electromyography
Definition
A diagnostic procedure that measures the electrical activity of muscles in response to nerve stimulation. EMG is used to evaluate muscle weakness, nerve dysfunction, or neuromuscular disorders.
Term
MD- muscular dystrophy
Definition
A group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. Types of muscular dystrophy include Duchenne muscular dystrophy (most common) and Becker muscular dystrophy, among others.
Term
MG- myasthenia gravis
Definition
A chronic autoimmune disorder that disrupts communication between nerves and muscles, leading to muscle weakness. Symptoms often include drooping eyelids (ptosis), difficulty swallowing, and fatigue with activity.
Term
OA - osteoarthritis
Definition
A degenerative joint disease caused by the breakdown of cartilage within joints. Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. OA primarily affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine.
Term
OP- osteoporosis
Definition
A condition characterized by a decrease in bone density, making bones weak, brittle, and more prone to fractures. It often affects older adults, especially postmenopausal women, due to reduced levels of estrogen.
Term
OT- occupational therapy
Definition
A therapeutic approach focused on enabling individuals to perform meaningful daily activities and tasks despite injury, illness, or disability. OT helps patients regain independence in activities of daily living and adapt to physical or cognitive limitations.
Term
PKR- partial knee replacement
Definition
A surgical procedure in which only the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced with a prosthesis. PKR is an alternative to total knee replacement for patients with localized arthritis in one compartment of the knee.
Term
PMR- polymyalgia rheumatica
Definition
An inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders, neck, and hips. PMR is more common in older adults and is often associated with systemic inflammation, such as in giant cell arteritis.
Term
RA- rheumatoid arthritis
Definition
A chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformities. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA often affects smaller joints and can involve systemic symptoms like fatigue and fever
Term
ROM- range of motion
Definition
The extent of movement a joint or muscle can achieve in various directions. It is often assessed in physical therapy, injury evaluation, or post-surgery rehabilitation to determine joint health or progress of recovery
Term
RSD- repetitive stress disorder
Definition
Definition: A condition caused by repetitive motion or overuse of muscles, tendons, or nerves, leading to pain, inflammation, or injury. Common examples include tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Term
THR- total hip replacement
Definition
A surgical procedure in which the damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial prosthesis. THR is often performed for severe arthritis or hip fractures, restoring function and relieving pain.
Term
TKP- total knee replacement
Definition
A surgical procedure in which the entire knee joint is replaced with a prosthesis. TKR is used to treat severe arthritis or joint damage that significantly impacts mobility and quality of life.
Term
Achilles tendon
Definition
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
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
Bakers Cyst
Definition
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.
Term
Erb's palsy
Definition
A condition caused by injury to the brachial plexus, often during birth or trauma. It leads to weakness or paralysis in the shoulder and elbow muscles. Early diagnosis and intervention through physical therapy are essential for improving outcomes in affected individuals.
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