Nervous System - Medical Terminology

Absence seizure—form of seizure consisting of momentary clouding of consciousness and awareness of the person’s surroundings. These include petit mal seizures in children

Acetylcholine—neurotransmitter chemical released at the end of nerve cells

Akinetic—pertaining to, characterized by, or causing akinesia

Alzheimer disease—brain disorder marked by gradual and progressive mental deterioration (dementia), personality changes, and impairment of daily function. Characteristics are speech disturbance, restlessness, anxiety, depression. Genetic factors may be a cause. A mutation on chromosomes 14 has been linked familial cases

Amyloid—a protein. Deposit of amyloid occur in neruofibrillary tangles, senile plaque and blood vessels in Alzheimer’s disease

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—Lou Gehrig disease. Degenerative disorder of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem. Signs are weakness and atrophy muscles in hands, forearms and legs; difficulty in swallowing and talking, dyspnea develop and respiratory muscles become affected

Analgesia-- absence of sensibility to pain

Anencephaly—a congenital brain malformation

Anesthesia—lack of normal sensation such as absence of touch or pain. Two common types of anesthesia are spinal and epidural block

Anesthetics—agents that reduce or eliminate sensation. General and local

Aneurysm—enlarged, weakened area in an arterial wall, which may rupture, leading to hemorrhages and CVA (stroke)

Aphasia—difficult with speech

Apraxia—movements and behavior are not purposeful.

Arachnoid membrane—the second layer of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This spider like membrane is loosely attached to the other meninges by web like fiber, so there is a space for fluid between the fibers and the third membrane

Astrocytes cells—star like in appearance and transport water and salts between capillaries and neurons

Astrocytoma—malignant tumor of astrocytes (glial brain cells)

Ataxia—condition of decreased coordination. Persistent unsteadiness on the feet can be caused by a disorder involving the cerebellum. Lack of muscular coordination

Aura—peculiar sensation experienced by the affected person before onset of a seizure. Dizziness, numbness and visual or olfactory disturbance are examples of aura. Peculiar sensations that precede the onset of illness occurring before the onset of an attack of migraine or epileptic seizure

Autonomic nervous system—The peripheral nervous system also functions involuntarily and automatically, without conscious control. This system of nerve fibers carries impulses away from the central nervous system to the glands, heart, blood vessels and involuntary muscles found in the walls of tubes like the intestines and hollow organs such as stomach and urinary bladder. Some autonomic nerves are sympathetic nerves and others are parasympathetic nerves.

Axon—extending from the cell body, long process of a nerve fiber that generally conducts impulses away/ along from the body of the nerve cell.

Basal ganglia—group of cells that regulate intentional movements of the body

Bell palsy—paralysis on one side of the face. The likely cause is a viral infection

Blood brain barrier—They associates with blood vessels and regulate the passage of potentially harmful substances from the blood into the nerve cells of the brain, consists of special lining (endothelial) cells, which along with actrocytes separates capillaries from nerve cells. Blood brain barrier blocks drug access to brain tissue in chemotherapeutic drugs to treat brain tumors

Bradykinesia—abnormal slowness of movement

Brain tumor—neoplastic disorder, abnormal growth of brain tissue and meninges, most primary tumors arise from glial cell (gliomas) or the meninges. Types of gliomas include astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma and ependymoma. Tumor can cause swelling and hydrocephalus

Brain—controls body activities.

Brainstem—the pons and medulla are part of the brainstem. Posterior portion of brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord

Cardiac center—slows the heart rate when the heart is beating too rapidly

Cauda equine—below the end of spinal cord, a fan of nerve fibers or collection of spinal nerves. Bundle of spinal nerves below the end of the spinal cord.

Causalgia—intense burning pain following injury to a sensory nerve

Cell body—contains the cell nucleus, the part of a neuron containing the nucleus but not incorporating the axon and dendrites. Also called soma

Central nervous system—consists of brain and spinal cord

Cephalgia—headaches may result from vasodilation of blood vessels in tissue surrounding the brain or from tension in neck and scalp muscles

Cerebellar—Involving the part of the brain (cerebellum), which controls walking, balance, and coordination

Cerebellopontine—Referring to the cerebellum and pons

Cerebellum, pons and medulla oblongata—structure within the brain lie in the back and below the cerebrum and connect the cerebrum with the spinal cord

Cerebellum—functions to coordinate voluntary movements and to maintain balance and posture

Cerebra contusion— type of traumatic disorder, bruising of brain tissue as a result of direct trauma to the head. It is usually associated with a fracture of the skull, as well as with edema and an increase in intracranial pressure.

Cerebral angiography—x ray imaging of the arterial blood vessels in the brain after injection contrast material. Diagnose vascular disease such as aneurysm, occlusion in the brain

Cerebral concussion—type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head.

Cerebral cortex— A thin mantle of gray matter about the size of a formal dinner napkin covering the surface of each cerebral hemisphere. The cerebral cortex is crumpled and folded, forming numerous convolutions (gyri) and crevices (sulci)

Cerebral edema—swelling

Cerebral hemispheres—the brain is divided in half, a right side and left side, each hemisphere is subdivided into four major lobes named for the cranial bones that overlie them. These lobes are frontal, parietal, Occipital and temporal, as well as gryi and sulci

Cerebral palsy—partial paralysis and or lack of muscular coordination caused by loss of oxygen or blood flow to the cerebrum during pregnancy

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—circulates throughout the brain and spinal cord

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis—samples of CSF are examined. It measure protein, glucose, and red and white blood cells. CSF can also detect tumor cell, bacteria and viruses. These studies are used to diagnose infection, tumors or multiple sclerosis

Cerebrovascular accident—vascular disorder, disruption in the normal blood supply to the brain; stroke. This condition is also known as cerebral infarction, is the result of impaired oxygen supply to the brain. There are three types of stroke; thrombotic, embolic and hemorrhagic. The major risk of stroke is hypertension, diabetes, smoking and heart disease

Cerebrum—largest part of the brain, “thinking area”. on the surface of cerebrum, nerve cells lie in sheath which make up cerebral cortex. Thought, judgment, memory, association and discrimination are functions of cerebrum

Chorea—dance-like

Comatose—a coma is state of unconsciousness from which the patient cannot be aroused.

Complex partial seizure—common type, these patients have seizures that caused them to pause in whatever they are doing and have memory problems

Computed tomography of the brain—computerized x ray technique that generates multiple images of the brain and spinal. It is useful for fracture, visualizing blood and bone, bleeding and brain injury

Corpus callosum—lies in the center of the brain and connects the two hemispheres

Cranial nerves—12 pairs of nerves that carry impulses between the brain and the head and neck. The one exception is the 10^th cranial nerve, called vagus nerve. Cranial nerves carry motor impulses from the cerebrum to muscles and glands and these produce movement and activity

Dementia—mental decline and deterorization

Demyelination—loss of myelin insulating the nerve fiber and characteristic of multiple sclerosis, an acquired illness affecting the central nervous system. Destruction of myelin on axons of neurons

Demyelination—loss of myelin insulation, prevents the conduction of nerve impulses through the axon and causes paresthesias, muscle weakness, unsteady gait and paralysis

Dendrites—are the branched fiber/projection of a neuron that is the first part to receive the nervous impulse and act to propagate the electrochemical stimulation received from other neural cells to the cell body, or soma, of the neuron from which the dendrites project. Electrical stimulation is transmitted onto dendrites by upstream neurons (usually their axons) via synapses which are located at various points throughout the dendritic tree. Dendrites play a critical role in integrating these synaptic inputs and in determining the extent to which action potentials are produced by the neuron.

Dopamine—CNS neurotransmitter made by cells in the basal ganglia. Deficiency in patient with Parkinson disease

Doppler ultrasound studies—sound waves detect blood flow in the carotid and intracranial arteries.

Dura mater—outermost and toughest membrane of the meninges, this thick, rough membrane contains channels (Dural sinuses) that contain blood. Subdural space, is below the Dural membrane

Dyskinesia—condition marked by involuntary, spasmodic movements.

Dyslexia—developmental reading disorder occurring when the brain does not properly recognize, process, and interpret language

Electroencephlography—recording of the electrical of the brain

Embolic—an embolus travels to the cerebral arteries and occludes a small vessel. It occurs very suddenly.

Embolus—clot of material that travels through the bloodstream and suddenly block the vessel

Encephalitis—Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, usually caused by a direct viral infection or a hyper-sensitivity reaction to a virus or foreign protein. Brain inflammation caused by a bacterial infection is sometimes called cerebritis.

Encephalopathy—any degenerative disease of the brain.

Ependymal cells—(Greek ependyma) line membranes within the brain and spinal cord where CSF is produced and circulates (helps from CSF)

Epidural hematomas—An accumulation of blood between the skull and the Dura mater

Epilepsies—Greek word meaning a laying hold of

Epilepsy—chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizure activity. A Sudden discharge of electrical activity within the brain. Seizures are often symptoms of underlying brain pathologic conditions such as tumor, meningitis, vascular disease or a scar tissue from a head injury

Femoral nerve—lumbar nerve leading to and from the thigh (femur)

Gait—manner of walking

Gangilia—singular (gangilion) small collection of nerve cell bodies outside the brain and spinal cord

Glial (neuroglial) cells—make up its supportive, protective and connective tissues framework of central nervous system and help it ward off infection. It does not transmit impulses, far numerous than neurons and can reproduce. Types of glial—astrocytes cells, microglial cell, oligodendroglial cells and ependymal cells

Glioblastoma multiforme—most malignant form of astrocytoma

Glioblastoma—highly malignant tumor, gliomas are tumors of glial cells

Gyrus—plural gyri. Sheet of nerve cells that produces a rounded ridge on the surface of the cerebral cortex; convolution

Hemiparesis—affects either left or right side of the body.

Hemiplegia—results from brain injury or stroke, affecting left or right side of the body

Hemorrhages—a blood vessel, such as the cerebral artery, breaks and bleeding atherosclerosis, or high blood pressure

Herniated disk—common cause leading to pain, weakness or numbness down the leg

Herpes zoster (shingles)—infectious disorders, viral infection affecting peripheral nerves. Blister and pain spread along peripheral nerves caused by herpes virus, the same virus that cause chickenpox.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) encephalopathy—infectious disorders, brain disease and dementia occurring with AIDS

Huntington disease (Huntington chorea)—hereditary disorder marked by degenerative changes in the cerebrum leading to abrupt involuntary movements and mental deterioration. It results in personality changes, along with choreic movements or the arms, legs and facial grimpacing; this disease is located on chromosome 4

Hydrocephalus—a congenital disorder in which abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain. It can occurs in adults as a result of tumors and infection.

Hypalgesia—diminished sensation to pain

Hyperalgesia—increased sensitivity to pain

Hyperesthesia—a light touch with a pin ma provoke increased sensation.

Hyperkinesias—Pathologically increased muscular movement. Hyperactivity, especially in children. Amphetamines (CNS stimulants) are used to treat in children

Hypesthesia—diminished sensitivity to pain

Hypothalamus—blow the thalamus is also an important part of the brain. Contains neurons that control body temperature, sleep, appetite, sexual desire and emotion of fear and pleasure. It regulates the release of hormones from the pituitary glands at the base of the brain and integrates the activities of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system

Ictal event—Latin—ictus, meaning blow or a stroke. Pertaining to a sudden, onset as with the convulsion of an epileptic seizure

Intrathecal injection—chemicals, such as chemotherapeutic drugs, can be delivered into the subarachnoid space

Irreversible coma (brain death)—complete unresponsitivity to stimuli and a flat electroencephalogram tracing

Leptomeningeal—the pia and arachnoid membranes are known as the leptomeninges because of thin and delicate structure. Pertaining to leptomeninges

Lumbar puncture—CSF is withdrawn from between two lumbar vertebrae for analysis. Informal name “spinal tap”

Lumbar puncture—spinal fluid can be withdrawn for diagnosis or relief of pressure on brain. A hollow needle is inserted into the lumbar region of the spinal column blow the region where the nervous tissue of the spinal cord ends

Lymphatic plexus—an interconnecting network of lymph vessels

Magnetic resonance angiography—produces images of blood vessels

Magnetic resonance imaging—magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy create images of the brain and spinal cord. It useful to diagnose stroke and detect bleeding problem and head injury

Medulla oblongata—connects the spinal cord with the brain. Nerve tracts cross from right to left and left to right in the medulla oblongata. It contains three vital centers that regulate internal activities of the body; respiratory center, cardiac center and vasomotor center. A Part of the brain just below the spinal cord. Controls breathing, heartbeat and the size of blood vessels

Meningeal—pertaining to the meninges, the three layers of membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Meninges—three layers of connective tissue membranes that surrounds the brain and spinal cord

Meningioma—slowly growing benign tumor

Meningitis—infectious disorders, inflammation of the meninges; leptomeningitis—caused by bacteria (pyogenic meningitis) or virus (aseptic or viral meningitis). Fever and meningeal irritation, such as headache and a stiff neck

Meningocele—the meninges protrude to the outside of the body

Microglial cell—small cells with many branching processes, as phagocytes they protect neurons in response to inflammation. Remove waste products from the CNS

Migraine—severe, recurring, unilateral, vascular headache. Symptoms are known as aura. Sensitivity to sound and light and temporary visual and sensory disturbance.

Motor (efferent) nerves)—travel from the spinal cord and brain to muscles of the body, telling them

how to respond. It carries away messages from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and organs

Motor aphasia—is present when the patient knows what he or she wants to say but cannot pronounce it.

Motor apraxia—the inability to carry out planned movements or to handle small objects, although cognizant of the proper use of the object.

Multiple sclerosis—destruction of the myelin sheath on neurons in the CNS and its replacement by plaques of sclerotic tissue. It is a chronic disease often marked by long periods of stability and worsening. Can be seen on MRI. Probably involves an autoimmune disease of lymphocytes reacting against myelin

Myasthenia gravis—autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness of voluntary muscles. Antibodies block the ability of acetylcholine to transmit the nervous impulse from nerve to muscle cell. Onset of symptom usually is gradual, double vision (diplopia) and facial weakness

Myelin sheath—covering of white fatty tissue that surrounds and insulate the axon and speed transmission of the electrical impulse. It gives white appearance to the nerve fiber.

Myelin—a fatty tissue that can cover the axons

Myelomenngocele—spinal cord and meninges protrude

Myelopathy—the viral disease affects the gray matter of the spinal cord. Leading to paralysis of muscles that rely on the damaged neurons.

Myemeningocele—neural tube defect caused by failure of the neural tube to close during embryonic development. This occurs in infants born with spina bifida

Myoneural—pertaining to nerve terminations in muscles

Narcolepsy—sudden, uncontrollable compulsion to sleep. Amphetamines and stimulants drugs are prescribed to prevent attacks.

Nerve—macroscopic, cord like collection of fibers that carry electrical impulses, able to be seen with a naked eye. Consists of a bundle of dendrites and axons that travel together like strands of rope.

Nervous system—most complex system of human body and classified into two divisions. Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system

Neuralgia—trigeminal neuralgia involves flashes of pain radiating along the course of the trigeminal nerve

Neurasthenia—nervous exhaustion and fatique, often following depression or lack of nerve strength

Neurofibrillary tangles—bundles of fibrils in the cytoplasm of a neuron in the cerebral cortex

Neuron—an individual nerve cell, a microscopic structure, impulses pass along the parts of a nerve cell in a definite manner and direction. Functional cell of the nervous system

Neuropathy—a functional disturbance or pathological change in the peripheral nervous system, sometimes limited to noninflammatory lesions as opposed to those of neuritis

Neurotransmitter—chemical substance/messenger by neuron on which the transfer of the impulse across the synapse depends. It stimulates another cell, which can be a nerve cell, muscle cell or gland cell. Examples are acetycholine, norepinephrine, epinephrine (adrenaline), dopamine, serotonin and endorphine

Occlusion--blockage

Oligodendroglial cells—have few dendrites; these form the myelin sheath in the central nervous system. Also called oligodendrocyte

Palliative—relieving symptoms but not curing them

Palsy—paralysis complete or partial loss of motor function

Paraplegia—originally, a stroke on one side. The term means paralysis both legs and lower part of the body caused by injury or disease of the spinal cord or cauda equine

Parasympathetic nerves—normally acts as a balance for the sympathetic nerves. It also slows down heart rate, lower blood pressure and stimulates intestinal contractions to clear rectum.

Parenchyma—essential distinguishing tissue of an organ or system. Neurons and nerves are the parenchyma of the nervous system. In the brain and spinal cord, neurons, which conduct electrical impulse, are the parenchyma tissue.

Paresis—partial paralysis or weakness in muscles

Paresthesia—tingling, burning, and “pins and needles” sensations

Parkinson disease (parkinsonism)—degeneration of neurons in the basal ganglia, occurring in later life and leading to tremors, weakness of muscles, and slowness of movement. It is caused by a deficiency of dopamine. Typical “pill-rolling” tremor of hands and characteristics mask-like lack of facial expression

Peripheral nervous system—cranial nerves and spinal nerves, plexuses, peripheral nerves throughout the body. The cranial and spinal nerves who functions voluntary, helps the body respond to the changes outside world, they include sense receptors for eye sight, hearing and balance, smell and touch and sensory nerves. Nerves outside the brain and spinal cord

Pia mater—containing CSF, closest to the brain and spinal cord. It contains delicate/thin connective tissue with a rich supply of blood vessels

Pia-arachnoid—most physician refer to the pia and arachnoid together

Plexus—large network intersecting blood vessels and lymphatic vessels of nerves in the peripheral nervous system. The cervical, branchial and lumbaosacral plexuses are the examples that include cervical, lumbar and sacral nerves. 

Polio—gray matter

Polyneuritis—inflammation of several peripheral nerves simultaneously.

Pons—part of brainstem that literally means bridge. Contains nerve fiber tracts that connect the cerebellum and cerebrum with the rest of the brain.  Connection of Nerves to eyes and face

Positron emission tomography scan—radioactive glucose is injected and then detected in the brain to image the metabolic activity of the cell

Postictal events—neurologic symptoms such as weakness in epileptic patients after seizures

Quadriplegia—all four extremities limbs are paralyzed or are affected. Injury is at the cervical level of the spinal cord.

Radiculitis—inflammation of the spinal nerve roots

Radiculopathy—sciatica is a radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve root in the back.

Receptor—organ that receives a nervous stimulus and passes it on to afferent nerves. The skin, ear, eyes and taste buds are receptors

Rectal plexus—plexus of veins in the rectal region

Respiratory center---controls muscles of respiration in response to chemical

Sciatic nerve—beginning in a region of the hip. Nerve extending from the base of the spine down the thigh, lower leg and foot.

Sciatica—pain or inflammation along the course of the nerve

Semicomatose—refers to a stupor (unresponsiveness) from which a patient can be aroused

Senile plaques—Abnormal structures, composed of parts of nerve cells surrounding protein deposits, found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease

Sensory (afferent) nerves—carry messages related to changes in the environment toward the spinal cord and brain through receptor

Sensory aphasia—difficulty understanding language and many pronounce words easily but use them inappropriate

Spina bifida cystica—is more severe form with cyst-like protrusions

Spina bifida occulta—the vertebral defect is covered with the skin and evident only on x ray or other imaging examination. A neural tube defect

Spina bifida—congenital defects in the lumbar spinal column caused by imperfect union of vertebral parts.

Spinal cord—column of nervous tissue extending from the medulla oblongata to the second lumbar vertebra with the vertebral column. It carries all the nerves to ad from the limbs and lower part of the body and a pathway for impulses going to and from the brain. A cross section view of the spinal cord reveals an inner region of gray matter and an outer region of white matter

Spinal nerves—thirty one pairs of nerves arising from the spinal cord carry messages between the spinal cord and the chest, abdomen and extremities

Stereotactic radiosurgery—use of specialized instrument to locate and treat targets in the brain. A gamma knife (high-energy radiation beam) is used to treat deep and inaccessible intracranial tumors and abnormal blood vessel masses without surgical incisions proton stereotactic radiosurgery delivers and uniform dose of proton radiation to a target and spares surrounding normal tissue

Stimulus— A factor capable of eliciting a response in a nerve,begin as impulse in the branching fibers of the neuron, which are called dendrites. An agent of change in the internal and external environment that evoke response

Stroma—of an organ is the connective and supportive tissue of an organ. Stromal tissue of the nervous system consists of the glial (neuroglial) cells.

Subarachnoid space—the space between the arachnoid membranes and the pia mater membranes. It contains cerebrospinal fluid.

Subdural hematomas—A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood in the space between the outer layer (dura) and middle layers of the covering of the brain (the meninges)

Sulcus—plural sulci. Depression or groove in the surface of the centebral cortex. Fissure

Sympathetic nerves—stimulate the body in times of stress and crises, they increase heart rate and forcefulness, dilate airways for more oxygen can increase blood pressure, it stimulate the adrenal glands to secrete epinephrine(adrenaline), while also inhibiting intestinal contractions for slow digestion

Synapse—the space where they nervous impulse jumps from one neuron to another. A space through which nervous impulses travels between the nerve cells or between the nerve and muscle or glandular cells

Syncopal—sudden and temporary loss of consciousness caused by inadequate flow of blood to the brain

Syncope—fainting

Tardive dyskinesia—irreversible neurological disorder of involuntary movements may develop in people who receive certain antipsychotic drugs for extended periods.

Temporal lobe epilepsy—seizure begins in the temporal lobe of the brain.

Terminal end fiber—the nervous impulses pass through the axon to leave the cell via the terminal end fibers of the neuron.

Thalamic—pertaining to the thalamus

Thalamus—important part of the brain, acts like a “triage center” and decides what is important and what is not, processing and relaying sensory information to the cerebral cortex. It also plays a major role in maintaining levels of awareness and consciousness. It conducts impulses between the spinal cord an cerebrum

Thrombotic—blood clot in the arteries leading to the brain, resulting in occlusion of the vessels. Atherosclerosis leads to this common type of stroke as blood vessels become blocked over time. Before total occlusion, a patient may experience symptoms that point to the gradual occlusion of blood vessels known as transient ischemic attacks

Thymectomy—method of treatment for myasthenia gravis. Removal of thymus gland

TIA—transient ischemic attack

Tics—an involuntary, compulsive, rapid, repetitive, stereotyped movement or vocalization, experienced as irresistible although it can be suppressed for some length of time (tourette syndrome)

Tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal or ictal events)—characterized by a sudden loss of consciousness, falling down and tonic contractions following by clonic contractions. These convulsion are often preceded by aura.

Tourette syndrome—involuntary, spasmodic, twitching movements; uncontrollable vocal sounds and inappropriate words.

Trigeminal nerve—5^th cranial nerve

Vagal—this cranial nerve has branches to the head and neck, as well as to the chest

Vagus nerve—10^th cranial nerve, branches reach to larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, aorta, esophagus and stomach. Carries messages to and from the neck, chest and abdomen.

Vasomotor center—affects the muscle in the walls of blood vessels, thus influencing blood pressure

Ventricles—spaces or canals in the middle of the cerebrum. They contain watery fluid through the brain and around the spinal cord. These fluids are cerebrospinal fluid and it protects the brain and spinal cord from shock by acting like a cushion. It usually clear and colorless and contains lymphocytes, sugar and proteins. Also found in heart, they are the two lower chambers of the heart

Vertebral plexus—plexus of veins related to the backbone

White and gray matters—the white nervous tissue, constituting the conducting portion of the brain and spinal cord, composed mostly of myelinated nerve fibers. Gray matter or substance is the term used to describe the tissues composed of unmyelinated fibers 

Skin - Medical Terminology

Abscess—collection of pus

Acne vulgaris—caused by buildup of sebum and keratin in the pores of the skin.

Acne—chronic popular and pustular eruption of the skin with increased production of sebum

Actinic keratoses—are premalignant lesions in people with sun damaged skin

Actinic keratosis—caused by long term ultraviolet light exposure that lead to squamous carcinoma

Adipocyte—fat cell

Albinism—Albinism is an inherited condition present at birth, characterized by a lack of pigment that normally gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Many types of albinism exist, all of which involve lack of pigment in varying degrees. The condition, which is found in all races, may be accompanied by eye problems and may lead to skin cancer later in life.

Albino--An absence of pigment in the skin, eyes, and hair is most likely due to an inherited inability to produce melanin. An individual who cannot produce melanin has a marked deficiency of pigment in the

Albinos—individuals who are incapable of forming melanin, their skin and hair are white

Alopecia areata—an autoimmune disease in which hair fall out as patches without scarring or inflammation

Alopecia—absence of hair from areas where it normally grows. Baldness

Angioedema—swelling around the face

Anhidrosis—hereditary condition in which the skin is dry, rough because of the defect in keratinization.

Anthracosis—Accumulation of carbon in the lungs from inhaled smoke or coal dust. Also called miner's lung. -

Apocrine sweat glands-- Sweat glands located primarily in the armpit and genital areas. One of the largest dermal exocrine gland located in the axilla.

Bacterial analysis—samples of skin are examined for presence of microorganisms

Basal cell carcinoma—malignant tumor on the basal cell layer of the epidermis, most frequent type of cancer

Basal layer—which is the deepest layeror region of the epidermis, are of greatestimportance. Cells constantly growing and multiplying. The basal layer is the only layer of the epidermis that is composed of living cells where new cells are formed.

Basal layer—the deepest layer, the cells constantly grow and multiply

Bulla—large vesicle

Burns—Burns are tissue injuries caused by contact with thermal, chemical, electrical, or radioactive agents. Burns are usually classified as first-, second-, or third-degree burns. The extent of injury anddegree of severity determine a burn’s classification.

First-degree (superficial) burns are the least serioustype of burn because they injure only the top

layers of the skin, the epidermis. These burns aremost often caused by brief contact with either dry

or moist heat (thermal burn), spending too muchtime in the sun (sunburn), or exposure to chemicals.

Generally, blisters do not form andthe burn heals without scar formation. Seconddegree

(partial-thickness) burns are deep burnsthat damage both the epidermis and part of thedermis. These burns may be caused by contactwith flames, hot liquids, or chemicals. Symptomsmimic those of first-degree burns, but fluid-filledblisters (vesicles or bullae) form and the burn mayheal with little or no scarring. In third-degree (full-thickness) burns, theepidermis and dermis are destroyed and some of

the underlying connective tissue is damaged, leavingthe skin waxy and charred with insensitivity totouch.The underlying bones,muscles, and tendonsmay also be damaged. These burns may be caused

by corrosive chemicals, flames, electricity, orextremely hot objects; immersion of the body inextremely

Callus—increased growth of cells in the keratin layer of the epidermis caused by pressure or friction. The feet and hands are common site

Causalgia—unpleasant burning sensation in skin and muscle when there is damage in nerve

Cellulitis—diffuse, acute infection of the skin marked by local heat, redness and swelling. Abscess formation and tissue destruction occurs.

Chlorophyll—Any of a group of related green pigments found in photosynthetic cells that converts light energy into ATP and other forms of energy needed for biochemical processes; it is found in green plants, brown and red algae, and certain aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

Cicatrix—normal scar healed by wound

Cirrhosis—Cirrhosis is a chronic degenerative disease in which normal liver cells are damaged and are then replaced by scar tissue

Collagen—dense connective tissue strand or structural protein found in the skin and connective tissue. It is fibrous protein found in bone, cartilage and ligaments. Examples are systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma

Comedo—blackhead or open comedo is partially closed at surface

Corpusluteum—A yellow, progesterone-secreting mass of cells that forms from a Graafian follicle after the release of a mature egg. Also called yellow body

Crust—skin lesion. Collection of dried serum and cellular debris. Scab is a crust

Cryosurgery—use of subfreezing temperature achieved with liquid nitrogen application to destroy tissue

Curettage—use of a sharp dermal curette to scrape away skin lesions

Curette—shape like spoon or scoop

Cutaneous lesions—Is an area of abnormal tissue anywhere on or in the body

Cuticle—band of epidermis at the base and sides of the nail plate. Layer of keratin

Cyanosis—Cyanosis is a physical sign causing bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. Cyanosis is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. Cyanosis is associated with cold temperatures, heart failure, lung diseases, and smothering. It is seen in infants at birth as a result of heart defects, respiratory distress syndrome, or lung and breathing problems.

Cyst—skin lesion. Thick walled, closed sac containing fluid or semisolid materials. Examples are pilonidalcyst, found in sacral area an contain hair and sebaceous cysts, a collection of yellowish, cheesy sebum commonly found in scalp

Decubitus ulcers—bed sores are caused by pressure from lying in one position

Dermabrasion—scraping away. It is using a sand paper like material removes acne scars and fine wrinkles

Dermatitis—inflammation of skin

Dermatologist—A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders

Dermatophytosis—examples are fungal infection

Dermis—middle and thin cellular membrane layer of the skin, containing collagen. Composed of blood, blood vessels and nerve fibers as well as hair follicle, sweat glands

Diaphoresis—profuse sweating

Discoid lupus erythematosus—plaque like eruption of the skin confined to the face, ears, chests

Dysplastic nevi—that have atypical cells and may progress to form a type of skin cancer melanoma

Ecchymosis—bluish, black and blue mark on the skin, caused by hemorrhages into the skin from injury

Eccrine sweat glands—most common sweat producing glands in the skin

Eczema (atopic dermatitis)—inflammatory skin disease with erythematous, papulovesicular or papalosquamous lesions. A chronic disease

electrocautery—an instrument a needle or knife is used during surgery to burn through tissue by means of electrical current.

Electrodesiccation—tissue is destroyed by burning with an electric spark

Eosinophil—a granular leukocyte having a nucleus with two lobes connected by a thread of chromatin, and cytoplasm containing coarse, round granules of uniform size

Epidermis—outermost thin layered of the skin, containing keratin. Composed of squamous epithelium. Epithelium is the covering of the internaland external surfaces of the body.

Epidermolysis—loosening of the epidermis with the development of large blisters occurs after injury.

Epithelium—layer of the skin forming the outer and inner surfaces of the body

Erosion—skin lesion. Wearing away or loss of epidermis. Causes are inflammation or injury and heal without scarring

Erythema—flushing; widespread redness of the skin

Erythematous—pertaining to erythema

Eumelanin—brown black pigment

Exanthematous viral diseases—rash of the skin due to a viral infection. Examples are rubella, rubeola and chickenpox

Exudates—fluid that accumulates

First-degree (superficial) burns are the least serious type of burn because they injure only the top

Fissure—groove or crack like sore. An anal fissure is a break in the skin lining of the anal cavity

Fungal tests—scraping from the skin lesions, hair specimens or nail clipping are sent for laboratory testing

Gangrene—death of the tissue associated with loss of blood supply. ischemia resulting from injury, frostbit, diabetes, or arteriosclerosis

Hair follicle—sac within which each hair grow

Hypertrichosis—excessive growth of hair

Ichthyosis—Derived from two Greek words meaning "fish" and "disease," ichthyosis is a congenital (meaning present at birth) dermatological (skin) disease that is represented by thick, scaly skin

Impetigo—bacterial inflammatory skin diseases characterized by vesicles, pustules, caused by streptococci, and staphylococci

Impetigo—skin disease by bacterial infection

Integumentary system— The skin, also called integument, is the largest organ in the body. Together with its accessory organs(hair, nails, and glands). Its elaborate system of distincttissues includes glands that produce severaltypes of secretions, nerves that transmit impulses,and blood vessels that help regulate body temperature.The skin covers and protects all outer surfacesof the body and performs many vital functions,including the sense of touch.

Jaundice—condition in which a person's skin and the whites of the eyes are discolored yellow due to an increased level of bile pigments in the blood resulting from liver disease. Jaundice is sometimes called icterus

Juvenile warts—on hands and face of children

Kaposi sarcoma—malignant, vascular, neoplastic growth characterized by nodules

Kelis—blemish

Keloid—excess hypertrophied, thickened scar developing after trauma or incision. It results from excessive collagen during cartilage repair.

Keratin—hard protein material found in hair, epidermis and nails. Meaning horn. Deep lining cells in the hair root produces keratinized cells moved upward through hair follicles

Keratosis—thickened and rough lesion of the epidermis, associated with aging or skin damage

Layer of the skin—epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous layer

Leukoderma--an acquired condition with localized loss of pigmentation of the skin.

Leukoplakia--a white patch on a mucous membrane that will not rub off.

Leukoplakia—white thickened patches on mucous membrane tissue of the tongue or cheek.

Lipoma--a benign, soft, rubbery, encapsulated tumor of adipose tissue, usually composed of mature fat cells

Liposuction—removal of fat tissue through a tube that is introduced via incision

Lunula—the half-moon shaped whitish area at the base of the nail

Lupus vulgaris—refers to a cutaneous form of tuberculosis

Lupus—wolf like

Macule—skin lesion. Flat lesion measuring less than 1 mm in diameter such as freckles, tattoo marks.

Malignant melanoma—cancerous growth composed of melanocytes. It is genetic predisposition and exposure to ultraviolet sunlight. Biopsy is required

Mantoux and purified protein derivation—for TB and other skin disease

Melanin—skin pigment. It is formed by melanocytes in the epidermis. It production increases with the exposure to strong ultraviolet light

Melanocyte—found in basal layer, and contain a pigment called melanin which give color to the skin. Located at the root of the hair follicle

Melanoma—malignant skin tumor

Melanoma—type of cancer

Mohs surgery—mohs micrographic surgery is specialized form of excision to treat basal cell carcinoma and other tumors

Mycosis—fungal infection. Example is tinea pedis

Nails—hard keratin plates covering the dorsal surface of the last bone of the fingers and toes. Composed of keratinocyte

Nerve fiber—receptors for sensations such as pain, temperature

Nevus, nevi—pigmented lesions of the skin. Common known as moles

Nodule— skin lesion. Solid, round elevated lesions 1 cm or more in diameter. An enlarge lymph node and solid growth are example

Onycholysis—is the loosening of the nail plate with separation from the nail bed. Often seen with psoriasis

Onycholysis—separation of the nail plate from the nail bed in fungal infection after trauma

Onychomycosis—fungal infection of the nail, which become white and thick.

Papule—small less than 1 cm, solid elevation of the skin such as pimple

Paronychia—inflammation and swelling of the soft tissue around the nail

Paronychium—soft tissue surrounding the nail border

Patch test—an allergen treated piece of gauze or filter paper is applied to the skin

Patch—large macule greater than 1 mm

Petechia—small pinpoint hemorrhages

Pheomelanin—red yellow pigment

Pilosebaceous—combination of the hair follicle and attached sebaceous gland

Plantar warts—on the soles of the feet

Poliosis--circumscribed loss of pigment of the hair, especially following some pathological process.

Polyp—skin lesion. Growth extending from the surface of mucous membrane. Commonly found in nose, sinuses, and colon, uterus or bladder

Pore—tiny opening on the surface of the skin

Pruritus—itching, associated with most form of dermatitis

Psoriasis—chronic, recurrent dermatosis marked by itchy, red plaque covered by silvery gray scales. Usually occurs on knee, forearms or legs

Punch biopsy—surgical instrument removes a core of tissue obtained by a sharp circular edge

Purpura—bleeding into the skin. Examples are ecchymosis and petechiae

Purulent—pus filled material

Pustule—skin lesion. Papule containing pus. It is a small abscess on the skin

Pyoderma—pus in skin

Pyoderma—pus within a skin

Rhytidectomy—cosmetic plastic surgery to remove wrinkles and excess skin. Also called plasty or face lift

Rubella—German measles

Rubeola—measles

Scabies—contagious parasite infection of the skin intense pruritus.

Schick tests—diphtheria. Diphtheria is a potentially fatal, contagious disease that usually involves the nose, throat, and air passages, but may also infect the skin. Its most striking feature is the formation of a grayish membrane covering the tonsils and upper part of the throat.

Scleroderma—chronic progressive disease of the skin and internal organs with hardening and shrinking of connective tissue. Fibrous scar like tissue forms in the skin, the heart and lungs

Scratch test—several scratches are made in the skin and a very minute amount of test material is inserted into the scratches

Sebaceous gland—oil secreting gland in the dermis that is associated with hair follicle. Located in the dermal layer

Seborrhea—excessive secretion from sebaceous glands

Seborrheic dermatitis—dandruff

Seborrheic keratosis—benign lesion that result from overgrowth of upper epidermis

Sebum—oil secreted by sebaceous gland

Serum—clear fluid

Shave biopsy—tissue is excised using a cut parallel to the surface

Skin biopsy—suspected malignant skin lesions are removed and examined in microscopically by pathologists

Skin tests-substances are injected intradermally or applied to the skin

Squamous cell carcinoma—malignant tumor of the squamous cells in the epidermis. Can grow where squamous cell is found such as larynx or lungs.

Squamous epithelium—flat, scale like cells composing the epidermis

Steatoma—cystic collection of sebum that form in sebaceous gland and can be infected

Stratified—arranged in layers

Stratum corneum—outermost layer of the epidermis, which consists of flattened, keratinized cells

Stratum—a layer of cell

Subcutaneous layer—innermost thick layer of the skin, containing fat cells, epidermis and dermis are the cutaneous layers

Subungual—beneath a nail or soft tissues immediately underlying the nail plate

Systemic lupus erythematosis—chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of collagen in skin, joints and internal organs. Produces a characteristic “butterfly” pattern of redness on cheek and nose

Tinea barbae—affection the skin under the beard

Tinea corporis—ring worm

Tinea pedis—athlete’s foot

Tinea unguium—affecting the nails

Tinea—infection of the skin caused by fungus, also mean moth or worm

Ulcer—skin lesion. Open sore on the skin or mucous membranes

Urticaria (hives)—acute allergic reaction in which red, round wheals develop n the skin

Varicella—chickenpox

Venereal wart—on genitals and around anus

Verruca vulgaris—common wart is most frequent type of wart

Verruca—epidermal growth caused by virus.

Vesicle—skin lesion. Small collection of papule of clear fluid; blister

Vitiligo—loss of pigment in areas of the skin (milk white patches). A form of leukoderma

Wheal—skin lesion. Smooth edematous papule that is redder or paler than the surrounding skin.

Whitehead—closed comedo

Xanthelasma—a xanthoma appears on eyelids

Xanthoma—a tumor composed of lipid-laden foam cells, which are histiocytes containing cytoplasmic lipid material.

Xanthoma—nodules develop under the skin owing to excess lipid deposits and can be associated with high cholesterol level

Xerosis—very dry skin

Musculoskeletal System - Medical Terminology

Abduction—movement away from the midline of the body

Abscess—walled-off area of infection that can be difficult to penetrate with antibiotics.

Acetabular—pertaining to the acetabulum

Acetabulum—thecup or rounded-shaped cavity or socket on the lateral surface of the hip bone or in the pelvis, receiving the head of the femur

Achondroplasia—inherited condition in which the bones of the arms and legs fail to grow to normal size because of defect in bone formation and cartilage

Acromion—The outer end of the scapula, extending over the shoulder joint and forming the highest point of the shoulder, to which the collarbone is attached.  It articulates with the clavicle and gives attachment to part of the deltoid muscles

Adduction—movement toward the midline of the body

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—lou Gehrig disease, muscles deteriorate as a result of degeneration of nerves in the spinal cord and lower region of the brain

Ankylosing spondylitis—chronic progressive arthritis with stiffening of joints, primarily of spine

Ankylosis—The stiffening or immobility of a joint resulting from disease, trauma, surgery, or bone fusion

Antricular antibody test—detects an antibody present in serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases

Arthrodesis—bones are fused across the joint space by surgery

Arthrotomy—incision of a joint

Arthrocentesis—surgical puncture to remove fluid from the joint space. Synovial fluid is removed for analysis

Arthroplasty—surgical repair or replacement of a joint. Examples are resection arthroplasty, interposition arthroplasty and revision arthroplasty

Arthroscopy—cisual examination of a joint with an arthroscope and television camera

Articular cartilage—smooth, glistening white tissue that covers the surface of a joint. This layer of cartilage covering the bone in the joint space

Articulation—any type pf joint

Atrophy—decrease in size of an organ or tissue

Bone density test—low-energy x-ray absorption in bones of the spinal column, pelvis, and wrist is used to measure bone mass. Areas of decrease density indicate osteopenia and osteoporosis. Also called dual eneryx ray absorbtionmetry

Bone depression—opening or hollow region serving as a connection for bones, or passageways for blood vessels and nerves

Bone process—enlargement area that extends from bones as an attachment for muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Examples are bones head, condyle, epicondyle, trochanter, tubercle and tuberosity.

Bone—the hard, rigid form of connective tissue constituting most of the skeleton of vertebrates, composed chiefly of calcium salts. Examples are long bones, short bones, flat bones and sesamoid bones

Bone scan—uptake of a radioactive substance is measured in bone for tumors, infection or stress fracture

Bony ankyloses—pathologic union

Bunion—A bunion is an abnormal enlargement of the joint (the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTPJ) at the base of the great or big toe (hallux). It is accompanied by the buildup of soft tissue underlying bone at the distal/medial aspect of the first metatarsal

Bursa—sac of fluid near a joint; promotes smooth sliding of one tissue against another

Bursitis—stress placed on the bursa such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation of bursa

Calcaneal—relating to the calcaneus or heel bone.

Calcaneus—one of the tarsal (hindfoot) bones.Called also heel bone, oscalcis, and fibular tarsal bone.

Calcium phosphate—major calcium salts in bones

Calcium—one of the mineral constituents of bones.

Cancellous bone—spongy, porous, bone tissue in the inner part of a bone. Red bone marrow is found in spongy or cancellous area

Carpal tunnel syndrome—compression of the median nerve as it passes between the ligament and the bones and tendons of the wrist. Caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel.

Carpals—short bones. Any of the bones of the carpus, including the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate bones

Cartilage—A tough, elastic, fibrous connective tissue that is a major constituent of embryonic and young vertebrate skeletons, is converted largely to bone with maturation, and is found in various parts of the adult body, such as the joints surfaces, outer ear, and larynx epiphyseal growth plate. The bones of  a fetus are composed of cartilage.

Cast—solid mold of the body part is applied to fractures to immobilize the injured bone after a closed reduction

Cervical vertebrae—first seven bones of the vertebral column, forming the bony aspect of the neck (C1-C7)

Chiropractor—a practitioner who manipulates the patient’s spinal column to relieve pressure on nerves

Chondrocostal—cartilage that is attached to the ribs.Pertaining to the ribs and costal cartilages.

Chondroma—a benign tumor or tumor-like growth of mature hyaline cartilage. It may remain centrally within the substance of a cartilage or bone (enchondroma) or may develop on the surface

Chondromalacia—chondromalacia patellae is a softening and roughening of the articular cartilaginous surface of the kneecup, resulting in pain.

Clavicle—a long, curved, horizontal bone just above the first rib, forming the ventral portion of the shoulder girdle. It articulates medially with the sternum and laterally with the scapula.

Closed reduction—Reductionof a fractured bone by manipulation without incision into the skin

Coccyx—tailbone, is a fused bone, having been formed from four small coccygeal bones

Collagen—dense, connective tissue protein strands found in bones and other tissues. Protein component

Compact bone—hard, dense bone tissue, tunneled out in the central shaft of the long bones by a medullary cavity usually found around the outer portion of bones

Coronal suture—the connection across the skull between the two partial bones and the frontal bone

Cranial bones—skull bones: ethmoid, frontal, occipital, parietal, sphenoid and temporal

Craniotome—Instrument formerly used for perforation and crushing of the fetal skull

Craniotomy—Surgical removal of part of the skull to expose the brain

Crepitus—A crackling or crunching sound heard when the ends of a fractured piece of bone rub against each other. Crackling sound produced when ends of bones rub each other or rub against roughened cartilage

Decalcification—an older term for the loss or removal of calcium salts from calcified tissues. Newer term is demineralization.

Diaphysis—shaft, or mid portion, of a long bone

Disk—flat, round, plate like structure, an intervertebral disk is a fibrocartilaginous substance between two vertebrae

Discography—x ray examination of cervical or lumbar intervertebral disk after injection of contrast into nuclear pulposus (interior of the disk)

Dislocation—displacement of a bone from its joint

Dorsiflexion—backward or upward bending of the foot

Electromyography—recording the strength of muscle contraction as a result of electrical stimulation

Epiphyseal plate—the epiphyseal plate is an area at the long end of the bone that contains growing bone. As people develop, the bone grows longer as a result of activity inside this area. These plates permit growth after birth, allowing the long bones of the body to extend and a person to grow as he or she reaches maturity. Once growth is completed and the person reaches full maturity and stature, the new bone slowly hardens and the plate turns into the epiphyseal line. Cartilaginous area that the ends of long bones that is constantly being replaced by new bone tissue as the bone grows, it is also commonly known as growth plate

Epiphysis—each end of a long bone; the area beyond the epiphyseal plate

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate—measure time it takes for erythrocyte to settle to the bottom of a test tube for inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, tumors and infections with chronic infection of bone and soft tissue

Estrogen deficiency—promotes excessive bone resorption and less bone deposition

Ethmoid bone—A light spongy bone contains numerous small hones, located between the eye sockets, forming part of the walls and septum of the superior nasal cavity, and containing perforations for the passage of olfactory nerve fibers.

Ewing sarcoma—rare malignant tumor arising in bone; most often occurring in children at an early age of 5 and 15 years and combine treatment with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Exostosis—a benign bony growth projecting outward from a bone surface. Examples are ostechondromas and bunion

Extension—straightening of a flexed limb

External rotation—away from the center of the body

Facial bone—bones of the face: lacrimal, mandibular, maxillary, nasal, vomer and zygomatic

Fascia—fibrous membrane separating and enveloping muscles

Femoral—pertaining to the femur or to the thigh

Femur—long bones

Fibular—pertaining to the fibula or to the lateral aspect of the leg

Fibula—the outer, narrower, and smaller of the two bones of the human lower leg, extending from the knee to the ankle, and articulating with the tibia above and the tibia and talus below. Also called calf bone

Flat bones—found covering soft body parts such as skull, shoulder blades, ribs and pelvic bones

Flexion—bending a limb; decreases the angle between bones

Fontanelle—soft spot between the skull bones of an infant, meaning little fountains

Foramen—opening in the mandible that allows blood vessels and nerves to enter and leave

Foramen magnum—the large opening at the lower part of the occipital bone and outlet through which the medulla and spinal cord pass from the skull to the vertebral column

Fracture—a break or rupture in a bone

Frontal bone—forms the forehead. Portion of the skull composed of two parts: the squama, or vertical piece, which forms the forehead, and the horizontal portion, which forms spaces for the eyes and nasal passages

Ganglion cyst—fluid filled sac arising from joint capsule or tendons, typically in the hand.

Gouty arthritis—inflammation and painful swelling of joints caused by excessive uric acid in the body. Hyperuricemia and podagra

Hallux valgus—another name for bunion

Harversian canals—minute spaces filled with blood vessels; found in compact bone. A series of canals containing blood vessels lie within the outer dense tissue of bone

Hemarthrosis—extravasation of blood into a joint or its synovial cavity

Herniation of an intervertebral disk—abnormal protrusion of an intervertebral disk into the spinal canal or spinal nerves.Commonly referred to slipped disk.

Hip dislocation—disruption of articulation between the head of the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis

Humeral—Of, relating to, or located in the region of the humerus or the shoulder

Humerus—The long bone of the arm or forelimb, extending from the shoulder to the elbow.

Hydrarthrosis—synovial fluid collects abnormally in the joint

Hypercalcemia—An abnormally high concentration of calcium in the blood.

Hypertrophy—increase in size of an organ or tissue

Hyperuricemia—a congenital defect in the metabolism of uric acid causes too much of it to accumulate in blood, joints and soft tissue near joints

Iliac—Of, relating to, or situated near the ilium

Ilium—The uppermost and widest of the three bones constituting either of the lateral halves of the pelvis

Insertionof a muscle—connection of the muscle to a stationary bone

Interposition arthroplasty—new tissue taken from another place is placed between damaged surface of elbow joint

Internal rotation—toward the center of the body

Ischial—pertaining to ischium.The lowest of the three major bones that constitute each half of the pelvis

Kyphosis—Greek meaning hill or mountain, indicates a hump on the back. Height is reduced and lead to pressure on the spinal cord or peripheral nerves

Labrum—a cuff of cartilage that allows the humerus to move in the glenoid fossa

Lacrimalbones—the two small, thin bones located at the corner of each eye, contain fossae for the lacrimal gland and canals for the passage of the lacrimal duct.

Lamina—bar like thin layer of bone, membrane, or other tissue

Laminectomy—surgical incision into the backbone to gain access to the spinal cord.Performed to relieve the symptoms of compression of the spinal cord or spinal nerve. It involves removal of the lamia and spinous process

Leiomyoma--a benign tumor derived from smooth muscle, most often of the uterus

Leiomyosarcoma—A malignant smooth muscle tumor which may occur anywhere in the body but is most common in the uterus and GI tract Management Complete surgical excision, if possible

Ligament—connective tissue binding bones to other bones; support, strengthens and stabilizes the joint

Ligamentous—pertaining to or having the characteristics of a ligament

Lordosis—An abnormal forward curvature of the spine in the lumbar region

Lumbar vertebrae—In human anatomy, the lumbar vertebrae are the five vertebrae between the rib cage and the pelvis

Lumbosacral—Lumbosacral Region of the Spine (Lower Back) The spine is composed of 33 interlocking bones called vertebrae.

Lyme disease—type of arthritis marked by arthritis, myalgia, and malaise, cause is a bacterium carried by a tick. It is often marked by a “bull’s eye” rash at the site of the tick bite. Can affect the nervous system

Malleolar—the medial malleolus is at the distal end of the tibia, and the lateral malleolus is at the distal end of the fibula

Malleolus—is the bony prominence on each side of the ankle.

Mandible—in vertebrates, the mandible, lower jaw or jawbone is a bone forming the skull with the cranium

Mandibular—Relating to the lower jaw

Mastoid process—round process of the temporal bone behind the ear or round projection on the temporal bone behind the ear

Maxillary—related to the maxilla (upper jaw bone)

Maxilla—The maxillae (plural: maxillae) consist of paired maxillary bones or maxilla or two halves that are fused at the intermaxillary suture to form the upper jaw. This is similar to the mandible (lower jaw), which is also a fusion of two halves at the mandibular symphysis

Medullary cavity—central, hollowed-out area in the shaft of a long bone

Meniscus—crescent shaped fibrocartilaginous structure found in the knee

Metacarpals—pertaining to intermediate part of the hand skeleton that is located between the phalanges (bones of the fingers) and the carpus which forms the connection to the forearm

Metacarpectomy—Surgical excision of one or all of the metacarpals

Metaphysis—a region of a growing long bone in which diaphysis and epiphysis converge

Metastatic bone lesions—malignant tumors from other parts of the body such as breasts, prostate, lung gland and kidney that metastasize to bone

Metatarsalgia—pain and tenderness in the metatarsal region

Metatarsal—pertaining to or relating to the metatarsus

Muscle biopsy—removal of muscle tissue for microscopic examination

Muscular dystrophy—group of inherited disease characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of muscle fibers, without involvement of the nervous system. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common form.

Myalgia—pain in muscle

Myasthenia gravis—Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness. Failure in transmission of the nervous impulse from the nerve to the muscle cell

Myelopoiesis—The formation of bone marrow or of blood cells derived from bone marrow

Myopathy—any disease of muscle

Myositis—Myositis is a rare disease in which the muscle fibers and skin are inflamed and damaged, resulting in muscle weakness. There are several types of myositis that affect different parts of the body.

Nasal bones—The nasal bone is one of two small, oblong bones that vary in size and form in different individuals. They lie side by side between the frontal processes of the maxillary bones and join to form the bridge of the nose. These bones serve as attachments for the cartilaginous tissues that are mostly responsible for the shape of the nose. They support the bridge of the nose

Neural canal—space through which the spinal cord passes

Occipital bone—The occipital bone, situated at the back and lower part of the cranium, is trapezoid in shape and curved on itself. It is pierced by a large oval aperture, the foramen magnum, through which the cranial cavity communicates with the vertebral canal. It forms the back and base of the skull

Olecranal—pertaining to Olecranon

Olecranon—large process on the proximal end of the ulna; the point of the flexed elbow

Open fracture—the bone is broken and fragment of bone protrudes through an open wound in the skin

Open reduction—a surgical procedure for reducing a fracture or dislocation by exposing the skeletal parts involved.

Origin of muscle—connection of the muscle to a stationary bone

Orthopedics—The medical specialty that deals with preserving, restoring, and developing form and function in the extremities, spine, and other structures using medical, surgical, and physical methods

Osseous tissue—bone tissue, composed of a type of connective tissue

Ossification—process of bone formation

Ostechondromas—a benign bone tumor consisting of projecting adult bone capped by cartilage projecting from the lateral contours of endochondral bones. Or metaphyses of long bones near the epiphyseal plates

Osteitis—inflammation of bone

Osteoarthritis—progressive, degenerative joint disease with loss of articular cartilage and hypertrophy of bone at articular surfaces. This condition is known as degenerative joint disease.

Osteocyte—bone cells

Osteoblast—bone cell that helps from bony tissue. Immature bones cells are called osteoblasts produced by bony tissue

Osteoclast—bone cell that absorbs and removes unwanted bony tissue. Large bone to digest bone tissue to shape the bone and smooth it out

Osteodystrophy—abnormal development of bone

Osteogenesis imperfect—genetic disorder involving defective development of bones that are brittle and fragile; fractures occur with the slightest trauma

Osteogenic sarcoma—the most common and malignant of bone sarcomas, which arises from bone-forming cells and affects chiefly the ends of long bones. Osteoblasts multiply especially at the ends of long bones just below or above the knee. Metastasis takes place through bloodstream

Osteomalacia—inadequate or delayed mineralization of osteoid in mature cortical and spongy bone; it is the adult equivalent of rickets and accompanies that disorder in children. Known as rickets. Vitamin D is deficient in the diet, which prevent calcium and phosphorus from being absorbed into the bloodstream from the intestines

Osteomyelitis—Osteomyelitis refers to a bone infection, almost always caused by a bacteria. Over time, the result can be destruction of the bone itself. If untreated an abscess can occur.

Osteopath/ orthopedist—two physicians who treat bones and bone diseases

Osteopenia—condition in which bone mineral density is lower than normal

Osteoporosis—decrease in bone density: thinning and weakening of bone. The interior bones are diminished in structure. Occur in older women as a consequence of estrogen deficiency with menopause

Osteotome—the surgical chisel is designed to cut bone

Parietal bone—two bones on each side of the skull that form the roof and upper part of the sides of the cranium

Patella—seasmoid bones

Pelvimetry—measurement of the capacity and diameter of the pelvis

Periosteum— the strong membrane surrounding bones; rich in blood vessels and nerve tissue

Peroneal—pertaining to the fibula or to the lateral aspect of the leg

Phalangeal—referring to a phalanx or phalanges

Phalanges/ phalanx—the bones of the fingers and toe

Phosphorus—mineral substance found in bones in combination with calcium

Physiatrist—medical doctor specializing in rehabilitation in restoring patients to functional activity after injuries to bones, nerves and muscles

Plantar flexion—bending the sole of the foot downward toward the ground

Podagra—excessive pain in foot toes.

Polyarthritis—inflammation of several joints

Polymyalgia—polymyalgia rheumatic is a syndrome marked by aching and morning stiffness in the shoulder, hip, or neck for longer than a month

Polymyositis—chronic inflammatory myopathy.Polymyositis is an inflammatory muscle disease causing weakness and pain. Dermatomyositis is identical to polymyositis with the addition of a characteristic skin rash.

Prexia—fever

Pronation—turning the palm downward

Cancellous bone—the slightly movable interpubic joint of the pelvis, consisting of two pubic bones separated by a disk of fibrocartilage and connected by two ligaments

Pubic—pertaining to or situated near the pubes, the pubic bone, or the pubic region

Pubis—pubic bone

Radial—relating to, or near the radius or forearm

Radius—forearm in the line with the thumb

Red bone marrow—found in cancellous bone; site of hematopoiesis; the formation and development of blood cells

Reduction—treatment is restoration of the bone to its normal position

Resection arthroplasty—small portion of bone is removed to repair joint.

Revision arthroplasty—an operation to replace a failing prosthetic joint

Rhabdomyoma—a benign tumor derived from striated muscle; the cardiac form is considered to be a hamartoma and is often associated with tuberous sclerosis.

Rhabdomyosarcoma—a highly malignant tumor of striated muscle derived from primitive mesenchymal cells.

Rheumatoidarthritis—Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and deformity of the joints. Other problems throughout the body (systemic problems) may also develop, including inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), the development of bumps (called rheumatoid nodules) in various parts of the body, lung disease, blood disorders, and weakening of the bones (osteoporosis).

Reheumatoid factor test—serum is tested for the presence of an antibody found in patients with rheumated arthritis

Rheumatologist—A specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic disorders

Ribs—one of the 12 pairs of arches of bone forming a large part of the thoracic skeleton. The first seven ribs on each side are called true ribs because they articulate directly with the sternum and vertebrae. The remaining five ribs are called false ribs. The first three attach ventrally to ribs above. The last two are free at their ventral extremities and are called floating ribs. True ribs are also known as vertebrosternal ribs; false ribs as vertebrocostal ribs; and floating ribs as vertebral ribs.

Rickets—disease of infancy and childhood

Rotation—circular movement around the central point

Sacral vertebrae—five separate bones that fuse in children. In adult, the sacrum is a slightly curved, triangularly shaped bone

Sarcopenia—age-related reduction in skeletal muscle mass in the elderly

Scapula—flat bones

Scapular—relating to the shoulder or scapula

Scoliosis—the spinal column is bent abnormally to the side. Spinal deformity in adolescent girls

Seasmoid bone—round small bone covering the knee joint, they increase the efficiency of muscles near particular joint

Sellaturcica—Turkish saddle. Depression in the sphenoid bone where the pituitary gland is located

Serum calcium—measurement of calcium level in serum

Serum creatine kinase—measurement of the enzyme creatine kinase in serum. Normally present in skeletal and cardiac and cardiac muscle.

Shoulderdislocation—disruption of articulation between the head of the hunerus and the glenoid fossa of the scapula

Simplefraction—one that does not produce an open wound in the skin

Sinus/sinuses—hollow air cavity within a bone. Air cavities located in cranial and facial bones to lighten the skill and warm and moisten air as it passes through.

Slipped disk—Herniation of an intervertebral disk

Sphenoid bone—the bone at the base of the skull, anterior to the temporal bones and the basilar part of the occipital bone. It resembles a bat with its wings extended behind the eyes. Because it joins with the frontal, occipital, and ethmoid bones, it serves as an anchor to hold that skull in bones together.

Spinal stenosis—narrowing of neural canal in the lumbar spine

Spondylolisthesis—the forward slipping of a vertebra over a lower vertebra

Spondylosis—degeneration of the intervertebral disks in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions. Signs and symptoms include pain and restriction of movement

Sprain—trauma to ligaments without rupture

Sternum—A long flat bone, articulating with the cartilages of the first seven ribs and with the clavicle, forming the middle part of the anterior wall of the thorax, and consisting of the corpus, manubrium, and xiphoid process

Strain—an injury involving the overstretching of muscle

Striated muscle—muscle connected the bones; voluntary or skeletal muscle

Styloid process—pole like process extending downward from the temporal bone on each side of the skull

Styloid process—projects downwards from the temporal bone

Subcostal—pertaining to below a rib or ribs

Subluxation—partial or incomplete dislocation

Supination—turning the palm upward

Suturejoint—immovable joint, such as between the bones of the skull

Synovial cavity—space between bones at a synovial cavity. Contains synovial fluid produced by the synovial membrane

Synovial fluid—viscous fluid within the synovial cavity. Synovial fluid is similar in viscosity to egg white

Synovial joint—a freely movable joint

Synovial membrane—tissue lining the synovial cavity; it produces synovial fluid

Synovitis—Inflammation of the synovium, a membrane found inside joints

Systemic lupus erythematosus—chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease involving joints, skin, kidneys, central nervous system, heart and lungs

Talipes—congenital abnormality of the hindfoot (involving the talus) is a congenital anomaly. Most common form is Talipesequinovarus or club foot.

Talus—the first of the tarsal bone come together to form the ankle

Tarsals—pertaining to a tarsus

Tarsectomy—excision of one or more bones of the tarsus

Temporal bone—the two bones that form the lower sides and base of the cranium. Each bone encloses an ear and contains a fossa for joining with the mandible. Bone near the ear and connecting to the lower jaw

Temporomandibular joint—an area of connection between the temporal and mandibular bones

Tendinitis—Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, a tough rope-like tissue that connects muscle to bone

Tendon—connective tissue that binds muscle to bones

Tenorrhaphy—suture of a tendon

Tenosynovitis—inflammation of a tendon sheath

Thoracic vertebrae—12 vertebrae of ribs

Tibial—pertaining to tibia

Tibia—shin bone; the inner and larger bone of the leg below the knee. It articulates with the femur and head of the fibula above and with the talus below

Total knee replacement—total hip arthroplasty or total hip replacement is replacement of the femoral head and acetabulum with prosthesis that are fastened into the bone

Trabeculae—supporting bundles of bony fibers in cancellous (spongy) bones

Ulnar—pertaining to ulna

Ulna—the inner and larger bone of the forearm

Uric acid test—measurement of uric acid in serum. High level associated with gouty arthritis

Vertebra—any one of the 33 bones of the spinal or vertebral column that comprises the 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal vertebrae. Composed of the vertebral bod, vertebral arch, spinous process, transverse process, and lamina enclosing the neural canal

Vertebroplasty—Stabilization of a fractured vertebral body by injection of a surgical cement

Visceralmuscle—muscle connected to internal organs; involuntary or smooth muscle

Vomer—the thin, single, flat bone that forms the lower portion of the nasal septum

Xiphoid process—lower, narrow portion of the sternum

Yellow bone marrow—fatty tissue found in the medullary cavity of most adult long bones

Zygomatic bone—cheekbone

Bones and There Common Names

Acetabulum—hip socket

Calcaneus—heel

Carpals—wrist bones

Clavicle—collar bone

Coccyx—tailbone

Cranium—skull

Femur—thigh bone

Fibula—smaller lower leg bone

Humerus—upper arm bone

Ilium—upper part of the pelvic bone

Ischium—posterior part of the pelvic bone

Malleolus—ankle

Mandible—lower jaw bone

Maxilla—upper jaw bone

Metacarpals—hand bones

Metatarsals—midfoot bones

Olecranon—elbow

Patella—kneecap

Phalanges—finger and toe bones

Pubis—anterior part of the pelvic bone

Radius—lower arm bone (thumb side)

Scapula—shoulder blade

Sternum—breastbone

Tarsals-- hind foot bones

Tibia—shin bone (larger of two lower leg bones)

Ulna—lower arm bone (little finger side)

Vertebra—backbone