Key Terms
- ankylosing spondylitis
- a chronic inflammatory disease primarily of the spine and sacroiliac joint
- articular cartilage
- smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together and allows the bones to glide over each other with very little friction
- bone (also, osseous tissue)
- a hard, dense connective tissue that forms most of the adult skeleton, the support structure of the body
- bone marrow
- the softer connective tissue that fills the interior of most bones
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- pain, numbness, and muscle weakness caused by compression of the median nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist
- cartilage
- a semirigid form of connective tissue, provides flexibility and smooth surfaces for movement
- cauda equina syndrome
- a condition of symptoms including loss of bladder or bowel function, increasing leg numbness, and pain
- compartment syndrome
- occurs when increased pressure in a confined body space compromises blood flow to muscles and nerves, causing tissue ischemia
- crepitus
- a popping or crackling sensation when the skin is palpated; it is a sign of air trapped under the subcutaneous tissues
- De Quervain tendonitis
- condition that occurs on the thumb side of the wrist
- degenerative joint disease (DJD) (osteoarthritis)
- the constant cycle of inflammation and joint damage that leads to a loss of the articular cartilage cushion, creating pain, inflammation, and limited joint movement
- enthesitis
- inflammation of the area of attachment of ligament or tendon to bone
- flatback syndrome
- characterized by missing lumbar lordosis of the spine, creating a flat spine
- ganglion cyst
- a fluid-filled lump that most often occurs at the back of the wrist, over tendon sheath or joint
- gout
- a type of arthritis that causes swollen, red, hot, and stiff joints due to the buildup of uric acid
- hallux valgus (bunion)
- a localized swelling on the medial side of the foot, next to the first metatarsophalangeal joint, at the base of the big toe
- hammertoe
- a deformity where the toe bends at the second joint, causing a hammer-type shape
- hematopoiesis
- the production of blood cells
- hyperlordosis
- excessive lordotic curve of the spine
- joint
- the location where bones come together
- kyphosis
- an exaggeration of the curvature of the thoracic spine
- ligament
- band of tissue that connects bones to one another, provides support and stability, and enhances joint movements
- lumbar lordosis
- inward curve above the buttocks
- musculoskeletal system
- composed of bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage that support the body, allow movement, and protect vital organs
- ossification
- bone development
- osteoporosis
- a decrease in bone mass and density that thins and weakens bones causing them to become fragile and break easily
- paralysis
- inability to move
- paresthesia
- loss of sensation, or tingling, in an extremity
- passive range of motion
- the degree of range of motion demonstrated in a joint when the examiner is providing the movement
- pes planus (flat feet)
- a common foot deformity characterized by the loss of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot
- pulselessness
- lack of palpable pulse
- red marrow
- tissue that produces red and white blood cells and platelets; where hematopoiesis takes place
- rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- a type of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in joints due to inflammation caused by an autoimmune disease
- scoliosis
- horizontal curvature of the spine
- skeletal muscle
- produces movement, assists in maintaining posture, protects internal organs, and generates body heat
- skeletal system
- the body system composed of bones and cartilage
- skin commensal
- organism that normally resides on our skin
- stenosing tenosynovitis
- involves the flexor tendons of the fingers and causes the flexor tendons of a finger or thumb to freeze in the bent position
- synovial fluid
- a thick, slimy fluid that provides lubrication to further reduce friction between the bones of the joint
- synovial joint
- has a fluid-filled joint cavity where the articulating surfaces of the bones contact and move smoothly against each other
- tendon
- band of fibrous collagenous tissue that provides a continuation of the muscle sheath to enable muscle attachment to the periosteum of bones
- tendonitis
- inflammation of a tendon
- tenosynovitis
- inflammation of the tendon and the surrounding sheath
- yellow marrow
- tissue that produces fat, cartilage, and bone and contains adipose tissue; the triglycerides stored in the adipocytes of the tissue can serve as a source of energy