25.5: 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