BackSkeletal System: Medical Terminology Word Building
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Concept: Skeletal System – Word Building
Introduction
The skeletal system is a foundational topic in medical terminology. Many combining forms in this system are derived from the names of bones themselves. Understanding these forms is essential for building and interpreting medical terms related to the skeletal system.
Structure of the Skeletal System
Combining Forms for Structures
Combining forms describe various structures of the skeletal system. These forms are often used to construct terms that refer to specific bones or bone-related structures.
Combining Form | Definition | Memory Tool |
|---|---|---|
cervic/o | neck | cervical vertebrae |
cost/o | rib | costume (rib cage) |
crani/o | skull | cranium (helmet) |
femor/o | femur (thigh bone) | femur (leg bone) |
humer/o | humerus (upper arm bone) | humerus (funny bone) |
ili/o | ilium (part of pelvis) | iliac crest |
lumb/o | lower back | lumbar vertebrae |
patell/o | patella (kneecap) | patella (knee) |
radi/o | radius (forearm bone) | radius (thumb side) |
scapul/o | scapula (shoulder blade) | scapula (shoulder) |
stern/o | sternum (breastbone) | sternum (chest) |
tibi/o | tibia (shin bone) | tibia (leg) |
vertebr/o | vertebra | vertebrae (spine) |
Characteristics and Conditions
Combining Forms for Conditions
Combining forms are also used to describe characteristics and conditions affecting the skeletal system.
Combining Form | Definition | Memory Tool |
|---|---|---|
ankyl/o | stiff, bent | ankle (stiff) |
kyph/o | hump | kyphosis (hunchback) |
lord/o | bent backward | lordosis (swayback) |
myel/o | bone marrow | myelin (marrow) |
oste/o | bone | osteocyte (bone cell) |
scoli/o | crooked, bent | scoliosis (curved spine) |
arthr/o | joint | arthritis (joint inflammation) |
chondr/o | cartilage | chondrocyte (cartilage cell) |
synov/o | synovial membrane | synovial fluid |
ten/o, tendin/o | tendon | tendon (muscle to bone) |
Skeletal System Suffixes
Suffixes Related to the Skeletal System
Suffixes are added to word roots or combining forms to modify the meaning, often indicating a procedure, condition, or disease related to the skeletal system.
Suffix | Definition | Memory Tool |
|---|---|---|
-desis | to bind, tie together | desist (to stop, bind) |
-listhesis | slipping | list (slip) |
-physis | growth | physics (growth) |
-algia | pain | analgesic (pain relief) |
-porosis | porous | porous (holes) |
-schisis | split, fissure | schism (split) |
-ectomy | removal | ectomy (cut out) |
-plasty | surgical repair | plastic (repair) |
-tomy | incision | tome (cut) |
Examples and Applications
Sample Questions and Definitions
Bacterial or fungal infection of the bone, which causes swelling in the bone marrow, is called: Osteomyelitis
Exaggerated inward curve of the lower back vertebrae: Lumbar lordosis
Surgical process of stabilizing or joining ends of broken bones is known as: Osteosynthesis
The term spondylolisthesis describes a condition where: Vertebrae bones slip over another vertebra below it
Select a correct term describing a bony outgrowth on the heel bone: Calcaneal osteophyte
Definitions
Olecranon bursitis: Inflammation of the olecranon (tip of the ulna).
Polydactyly: Surplus of toes or more fingers or toes.
Hyperostosis: Condition of abnormal bone growth.
Tenosynolith: Stone (calculus) within a tendon sheath.
Podology: Specialty involving medical treatment of the spine. Additional info: Podology more commonly refers to the study and treatment of the feet, but in some contexts may refer to the spine.
