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Nicole's Med Terms
Nicole's Med Terms
Medical Terminology
The musculoskeletal system provides structure, protection, and movement. The skeleton contains 206 bones; muscles attach via tendons to create the leverage needed for movement. Joints are where bones meet, and ligaments hold them together. Understanding this system is crucial for interpreting orthopedic conditions, fractures, arthritis, and surgical procedures.
206 bones make up the adult human skeleton, divided into the axial skeleton (skull, vertebral column, ribs, sternum — 80 bones) and the appendicular skeleton (limbs and girdles — 126 bones).
Bone types by shape:
Key bone combining forms: *oste/o*, *osse/o*, *ossi/o*
Joints are classified by degree of movement:
Synovial joint types: ball and socket, hinge, pivot, saddle, condyloid, gliding
Key combining forms: *arthr/o* (joint), *burs/o* (bursa), *synov/o* (synovial membrane)
Three types of muscle tissue:
Key combining forms: *my/o*, *myos/o* (muscle), *rhabd/o* (striated), *lei/o* (smooth)
Muscle attachments:
Fractures (bone breaks):
Spinal Curvatures:
Arthritis Types: