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