MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
SKELETAL SYSTEM│ MODULE 5 │ T1C- RADTECH
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1.0 SKELETAL SYSTEM
Axial Skeleton
Overview
● The skeleton provides the body's
framework, protects vital organs, and
works with the muscular system for
movement.
● The adult human skeleton consists of
206 bones and is divided into two main
parts: the Axial and Appendicular
Skeleton.
Appendicular Skeleton:
● It is attached to the axial skeleton and
includes limbs & girdles.
1. Upper Division
● Shoulder girdle: Clavicle
(collarbone) + Scapula
(shoulder blade)
● Upper limbs: Humerus, radius,
Axial Skeleton: ulna, carpals (wrist),
● Forms the central core of the body’s metacarpals (palm), phalanges
(fingers)
framework.
1. Skull 2. Lower Division
● 8 cranial bones + 14 facial bones ● Pelvic Bones (Hip Bones)
● Bones are joined by sutures – Consists of two large bones that
(immovable joints), except for the connect to the sacrum and coccyx to
temporomandibular joint (TMJ). form the pelvis.
2. Spinal Column (26 Vertebrae) – Each hip bone (os coxae) is made up
● Provides support and flexibility. of three fused bones:
● Five groups of vertebrae: ○ Ilium (large, flared bone),
○ Cervical (7) – C1 to C7 (Atlas & Ischium, and Pubis
Axis) – The acetabulum is the deep socket
○ Thoracic (12) – T1 to T12 where the femur (thigh bone) fits.
○ Lumbar (5) – L1 to L5 – The female pelvis is wider than the
○ Sacrum (S) – 5 fused bones ● Bones of the Lower Extremities (Legs
○ Coccyx (Co) – 4-5 fused bones & Feet)
○ Femur – Thigh bone, the
3. Thorax (Rib Cage) strongest and longest bone in
the body.
● 12 pairs of ribs attached to the ○ Patella – Kneecap, protects the
sternum (breastbone) via cartilage. knee joint.
● Protects thoracic organs. ○ Tibia & Fibula – Lower leg
bones (tibia is larger).
○ Tarsals – Ankle bones.
○ Metatarsals – Bones of the
instep (middle of the foot).
○ Phalanges – Toe bones.
○ Calcaneus – The heel bone,
the largest of the tarsals.
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MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
SKELETAL SYSTEM│ MODULE 5 │ T1C- RADTECH
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2. Growth Region
Appendicular Skeleton ● Metaphysis – Located between the
diaphysis and epiphysis.
● Epiphyseal Plate (Growth Plate) –
Region where bone growth occurs
during childhood.
● Epiphyseal Line – When growth stops,
this plate calcifies and remains visible.
3. Bone Classification
● Long Bones – Found in arms, legs,
hands, and feet.
● Other Types:
○ Flat Bones – Cranial bones,
ribs, scapulae.
○ Short Bones – Wrist and ankle
bones.
○ Irregular Bones – Facial
bones, vertebrae.
2.0 BONE FORMATION
● Bone tissue formation occurs by
adding calcium and phosphorus to
cartilage.
● The process of bone formation is called
ossification, which starts before birth
and continues into adulthood.
● Three types of bone cells:
○ Osteoblasts – Cells that
produce new bone.
○ Osteocytes – Mature bone cells
that maintain bone tissue.
○ Osteoclasts – Break down
bone to release minerals or for
repair & reshaping.
● Resorption: The process of breaking
down bone so its components enter 4.0 JOINT
circulation. This usually balances with
bone formation, but in disease, it can 1. Classification by Movement
happen too fast or too slow. ● Suture (Immovable Joint) – Held by
fibrous connective tissue (e.g., skull
bones).
3.0 STRUCTURE OF LONG BONE
● Symphysis (Slightly Movable Joint) –
Connected by fibrous cartilage (e.g.,
1. Main Parts vertebrae, pubic bones).
● Shaft (Diaphysis) – Compact bone with ● Synovial Joint (Freely Movable,
a medullary cavity containing yellow Diarthrosis) – Allows full movement
bone marrow (fat storage). (e.g., knee, elbow).
● Epiphysis (Ends of the Bone) – Made
of spongy (cancellous) bone with red
bone marrow (blood cell formation).
● Periosteum – Thin fibrous tissue
covering the bone; nourishes and helps
with repair.
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MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
SKELETAL SYSTEM│ MODULE 5 │ T1C- RADTECH
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2. Protective Features of Synovial ● The severity depends on location, extent
Joints of associated injury, risk of infection, and
● Synovial Fluid – Lubricates and healing capability.
cushions the joint. ● Reduction of a fracture: Realignment
● Synovial Membrane – Produces of the broken bone.
synovial fluid. ○ Closed reduction: No surgery
● Cartilage – Protects and cushions required.
articulating bone ends. ○ Open reduction: Surgical
● Ligaments – Strengthen and stabilize intervention to correct
the joint by connecting bones. alignment.
● Bursa – Small sac of synovial fluid that ● Immobilization:
cushions stress points between ○ A splint or cast stabilizes the
tendons, ligaments, and bones. bone during healing.
○ Traction: Uses pulleys and
5.1 ROOTS FOR BONES & JOINTS weights to maintain proper
alignment.
● Internal fixation: Rods, plates, and
screws may be used for stability.
ROOTS MEANING ● Types of Fractions:
1. Closed: Simple break, no open
oste/o Bone wound.
2. Colles: Fracture of the distal
myel/o Bone Marrow, Spinal
Cord radius with hand displacement.
3. Comminuted: Bone is
chondr/o Cartilage splintered or crushed.
4. Compression: Force from both
arthr/o Joint ends, usually in vertebrae.
5. Greenstick: One side of the
synov/i Synovial Fluid
bone breaks, common in
burs/o Bursa children.
6. Impacted: One bone fragment
is driven into another
7. Oblique: Break occurs at an
angle; fragments may slip.
5.2 ROOTS FOR THE SKELETON 8. Open: Open wound or bone
protrudes through the skin.
9. Pott: Fracture of the distal
fibula, affecting the tibial joint.
ROOTS MEANING
10. Spiral: Twisting injury causes a
crani/o Cranium, Skull spiral-shaped break.
11. Transverse: Break occurs at a
spondyl/o Vertebra right angle to the bone’s long
axis.
vertebr/o Vertebra, Spinal
Column
rachi/o Spine
cost/o Rib
sacr/o Sacrum
coccy, coccyg/o Coccyx
pelvi/o Pelvis
ili/o Ilium
6.0 CLINICAL ASPECT OF THE SKELETON
Fractures
● A fracture is a break in a bone, usually
from trauma.
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MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
SKELETAL SYSTEM│ MODULE 5 │ T1C- RADTECH
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Metabolic Bone Disease: ● Neoplasms from other sites often
metastasize to the spine.
1. Osteoporosis Joint Disorders:
● A condition where bone mass is lost, 1. Causes include:
leading to weakened bones. ● Congenital malformations
● Diagnosed and monitored using a ● Infectious disease of joints or adjacent
DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray bones
Absorptiometry) scan, which measures ● Injury leading to degeneration
bone mineral density (BMD). ● Necrosis from loss of blood supply
2. Osteopenia 2. Osteoarthritis (OA) or Degenerative
● A condition where bone density is lower Joint Disease (DJD)
than average but not significantly ● Most common form of arthritis.
abnormal. ● Gradual degeneration of articular
● It may progress to osteoporosis but cartilage due to wear and tear.
does not always require treatment. ● Common in midlife and beyond.
3. Factors Contributing to Bone Loss ● Affects weight-bearing joints (knees,
● Nutritional deficiencies hips, fingers).
● Disuse (e.g., paralysis or immobilization ● Radiographic findings:
in a cast) ○ Narrowing of joint cavity
● Excess adrenal corticosteroids ○ Bone thickening
● Overactivity of parathyroid glands, ○ Cartilage cracking
leading to calcium release from bones 3. Treatment of OA:
● Certain drugs, smoking, lack of exercise ● Analgesics for pain relief
● High intake of alcohol, caffeine, and ● Anti-inflammatory agents:
protein corticosteroids, NSAIDs
4. Osteomalacia ● Physical therapy
● Softening of bone tissue due to a ● Arthrocentesis (fluid drainage)
deficiency in calcium salt formation. ● Ice, elevation, acupuncture for
● Causes: Vitamin D deficiency, renal inflammation
disorders, liver disease, and 4. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
intestinal disorders. ● Systemic inflammatory joint disease;
● In children, this condition is called common in young adult women.
Rickets, usually due to Vitamin D ● Likely involves immunologic reactions;
deficiency. exact cause unknown.
5. Paget Disease (Osteitis Deformans) ● Overgrowth of synovial membrane,
● A disorder where bones become causing joint swelling.
overgrown, thicker, but deformed.
● Results in the bowing of long bones ● Synovial fluid accumulation damages
and distortion of flat bones (e.g., cartilage and underlying bone.
skull). ● May lead to fusion or ankylosis.
● Common symptoms: pain, fractures, ● Treatment:
hearing loss (affects bones of the axial ○ Rest
skeleton). ○ Physical therapy
○ Analgesics
Neoplasm: ○ Anti-inflammatory drugs
1. Osteogenic sarcoma (osteosarcoma) 5. Gout
● Most commonly occurs in a bone’s ● Caused by increased uric acid levels,
growing region, especially around the with salt deposits in joints.
knee. ● Common in middle-aged men, often
● Highly malignant tumor that often affects the base of the great toe.
requires amputation. ● May result from metabolic disturbances
● Commonly metastasizes to the lungs. or secondary to kidney disease.
2. Chondrosarcoma ● Treated with drugs to reduce uric acid
● Usually appears in midlife. production or enhance elimination.
● Arises in cartilage.
● May require amputation and most
frequently metastasizes to the lungs.
3. Signs of bone tumors:
● Pain
● Easy fracture
● Increased serum calcium and alkaline
phosphatase levels
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MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
SKELETAL SYSTEM│ MODULE 5 │ T1C- RADTECH
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● Causes and Treatments:
○ Abnormal spinal curvatures can
Joint Repair: arise from muscle weakness,
● In arthroscopy, orthopedic surgeons use poor posture, disk degeneration,
an arthroscope to examine a joint's diseases, or congenital issues.
interior and perform repairs. This ○ Severe cases may cause pain,
procedure can remove or reshape breathing issues, or
articular cartilage and repair or degenerative changes.
replace ligaments. ○ Bracing during childhood may
● If conservative treatments are help. In severe cases, surgery
ineffective, an arthroplasty (joint with bone grafts, vertebral
reconstruction or replacement) may be fusion, or endoscopic correction
recommended. may be necessary.
● Joint replacement is common in the
hips, knees, and shoulders to reduce
pain and restore mobility.
● In severe cases, a joint fusion
(arthrodesis) may be necessary,
resulting in a loss of joint mobility.
Disorders of the Spine:
1. Ankylosing spondylitis
● Affects mainly males; joint cartilage
deteriorates, causing fusion of
vertebrae.
● Begins in the lower spine and
progresses upward, limiting mobility.
2. Spondylolisthesis
● The forward sliding of a vertebra over
the one below, often called "a slipping".
● Often results from spondylolysis—a
degeneration of the joint structures that
stabilize vertebrae.
● Commonly causes low back pain and
possibly leg pain due to nerve irritation.
3. Herniated Disk
7.0 BONE MARKINGS
● Occurs when the nucleus pulposus
protrudes through the weakened
annulus fibrosus into the spinal canal. Condyle – Smooth, rounded protuberance at a
● Typically occurs in the lumbosacral or joint.
cervical regions due to injury or heavy Crest – Raised, narrow ridge (e.g., iliac crest).
lifting. Epicondyle – Projection above a condyle.
● May compress the spinal cord or Facet – Small, flattened surface.
nerves, leading to sciatica — pain along Foramen – Rounded opening (e.g., foramen for
the sciatic nerve. spinal nerve).
● Diagnosed through myelography, CT Fossa – Hollow cavity.
scan, MRI, and neuromuscular tests. Meatus – Passage or channel, such as a long
● Treatment involves bed rest, medication, channel within a bone; also the external opening
exercise programs, and possibly a of a canal, such as the urinary meatus.
diskectomy in severe cases. Process – Projection (e.g., mastoid process and
styloid process).
Curvatures of the Spine:
● The spine has four normal curves: two Sinus – A space or channel, such as the
anterior (cervical, lumbar) and two air-filled spaces in certain skull bones.
posterior (thoracic, sacral). Any Spine – Sharp projection (e.g., ischial spine).
deviation is a curvature disorder. Trochanter – Large, blunt projection at the top
1. Kyphosis of the femur.
● An exaggerated thoracic curve; Tubercle – Small, rounded projection.
commonly known as "hunchback". Tuberosity – Large, rounded projection.
2. Lordosis
● An exaggerated lumbar curve; often
called "swayback".
3. Scoliosis
● A sideways curvature of the spine that
can occur in any region.
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MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
SKELETAL SYSTEM│ MODULE 5 │ T1C- RADTECH
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8.1 TERMINOLOGY: KEY TERMS 8.2 TERMINOLOGY: ENRICHMENT TERMS
Normal Structure & Function: Normal Structure & Function:
● Acetabulum: The hip bone socket ● Annulus fibrosus: Outer ring-like
where the head of the femur fits. portion of an intervertebral disk.
● Articulation: A joint; adjective: articular. ● Calvaria: Dome-like upper portion of the
● Atlas: The first cervical vertebra. skull.
● Axis: The second cervical vertebra. ● Coxa: Hip.
● Bone: Calcified dense connective ● Cruciate ligaments: Ligaments that
tissue; individual skeletal units. cross in the knee joint, including the
● Bone Marrow: Soft material inside anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and
bones; yellow marrow fills long bone posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
cavities; red marrow produces blood ● Genu: The knee.
cells. ● Glenoid cavity: The bony socket in the
● Bursa: Fluid-filled sac that reduces joint scapula that articulates with the
friction. humerus.
● Cartilage: Dense tissue found in joints ● Hallux: Great toe.
and structures; bone tissue precursor. ● Malleolus: Projection of the tibia or
● Diarthrosis: Freely movable joint; also fibula on either side of the ankle.
called a synovial joint. ● Meniscus: Crescent-shaped cartilage
disk in certain joints, such as the knee.
Disorders:
Symptoms & Conditions:
● Ankylosing Spondylitis: Chronic,
progressive inflammatory joint disease, ● Achondroplasia: Genetic disorder
mainly affecting young males. causing decreased cartilage growth,
● Ankylosis: Immobility and fixation of a leading to dwarfism.
joint. ● Baker Cyst: Mass formed at the knee
● Arthritis: Joint inflammation. due to excess synovial fluid
● Chondrosarcoma: Malignant cartilage accumulation.
tumor. ● Bunion: Inflammation and enlargement
● Curvature of the Spine: Exaggerated of the great toe’s metatarsal joint.
spinal curves like scoliosis, lordosis, and ● Bursitis: Inflammation of a bursa,
kyphosis. common in joints like the shoulder, hip,
● Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD): and knee.
Osteoarthritis resulting from wear and ● Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Numbness
tear. and weakness in the hand due to
● Fracture: Bone break; may be closed pressure on the median nerve.
(skin intact) or open (skin broken). ● Ewing Tumor: A bone tumor common in
● Gout: Acute arthritis caused by uric acid children, often recurring after treatment.
deposits. ● Exostosis: Bony outgrowth on the
● Herniated Disk: Displacement of disk bone’s surface.
material into the spinal canal. ● Giant Cell Tumor: Bone tumor affecting
● Kyphosis: Hunchback; exaggerated children and young adults, usually
thoracic spine curve. non-metastatic.
● Hammertoe: Claw-like deformity of the
Treatment: toe due to joint position changes.
● Hallux Valgus: Painful lateral
● Alkaline Phosphatase: Enzyme for displacement of the great toe, often
bone formation; diagnostic marker. forming a bunion.
● Arthrocentesis: Joint fluid aspiration ● Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease:
using a needle. Degeneration of the femur’s growth
● Arthrodesis: Joint fusion; artificial center, leading to deformity.
ankylosis. ● Multiple Myeloma: Cancer of
● Arthroplasty: Partial or total joint blood-forming cells in the bone marrow.
replacement. ● Osteochondroma: A benign tumor
● Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive joint consisting of cartilage and bone.
examination and surgery. ● Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI):
Hereditary disease causing brittle bones
due to faulty collagen synthesis.
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SKELETAL SYSTEM│ MODULE 5 │ T1C- RADTECH
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● Reiter Syndrome: Chronic polyarthritis
often linked to bacterial infections.
● Spondylosis: Degenerative spinal
condition causing vertebral stiffness and
nerve compression.
Diagnosis & Treatment:
● Allograft: Tissue graft between
individuals of the same species.
● Arthroclasia: Surgical breaking of an
ankylosed joint to restore movement.
● Aspiration: Removal of fluid by suction.
● Autograft: Tissue graft taken from the
same individual.
● Chondroitin: Polysaccharide
supplement for joint pain relief.
● Glucosamine: Dietary supplement used
for joint health.
● Goniometer: Device to measure joint
angles and movements.
● Iontophoresis: Electrically assisted
drug introduction into tissue.
● Laminectomy: Surgical excision of the
vertebral arch (lamina).
● Meniscectomy: Removal of the
meniscus from the knee joint.
● Myelogram: Radiograph of the spinal
canal using contrast dye.
● Osteoplasty: Scraping and removal of
damaged bone from a joint.
● Prosthesis: Artificial organ or limb
replacement.
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