Musculoskeletal Definitions Flashcards
Lateral movement of a body part away from the midline of the body
Abduction
Lateral movement of a body part toward the midline of the body
Adduction
In a standing and sitting position a straight line can be drawn from the ear through the shoulder
and hip. In bed, the head, shoulders, and hips are aligned.
Alignment
The rounded head of one bone fits into a cuplike cavity in the other. (Shoulder and hip joints) Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation can occur.
Ball + Socket Joint
Non-vascular connective tissue found in the joints as well as in the nose, ear, thorax, trachea, and
larynx.
Cartilage
Movement of the distal part of the limb to trace a complete circle while the proximal end of
the bone remains fixed. Example: The leg is outstretched and moved in a circle.
Circumduction
The oval head of one bone fits into a shallow cavity of another bone. (Wrist joint)
Flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction can occur.
Condyloid Joints
Backward bending of the hand or foot.
Dorsiflexion
Movement of the sole of the foot outward (occurs at the ankle).
Eversion
The state of being in a straight line
Extension
A body part turning on its axis away from the midline of the body.
External Rotation
Thin bones that contribute to shape. The ribs and several of the skull bones are flat bones.
Flat Bones
The state of being bent
Flexion
The manner or style of walking. Normal finding: head erect, vertebrae straight, knees and feet point forward, arms at side with elbows flexed, arms swing freely in alteration with leg swings.
Gait
Articular surfaces are flat. (Carpal bones of wrist and tarsal bones of feet) Flexion, extension, abduction and adduction can occur.
Gliding Joint
Refers to weakness of one half of the body.
Hemiparesis
Paralysis of one half of the body.
Hemiplegia
A spool-like surface of one bone fits into a concave surface of another bone. (Elbow, knee, and
ankle joints) Only flexion and extension can occur.
Hinge Joint
The state of exaggerated extension.
Hyperextension
A body part turning on its axis toward the midline of the body
Internal Rotation
Movement of the sole of the foot inward (occurs at the ankle)
Inversion
An increased thoracic spinal curve. More often seen in older adults
Kyphosis
Tough fibrous bands that bind joints together and connect bones and cartilage
Ligaments
Found in the upper and lower extremities contribute to height and length.
Long Bones
An exaggerated lumbar curve is often seen during pregnancy or in obesity.
Lordosis
decreased muscle mass due to disuse or neurologic
impairment
Atrophy
is increased muscle mass resulting from exercise.
Hypertrophy
The slight residual tension that remains in a resting normal muscle with an intact nerve supply
Muscle Tone
Decreased tone resulting from disuse or neurologic impairments
Flaccidity
increased tone that
interferes with movement, also caused by neurologic impairments.
Spasticity
Paralysis of the legs.
Paraplegia
Impaired muscle strength or weakness
Paresis
A ringlike structure that turns on a pivot. (Joints between the proximal ends of the radius and
the ulna) Movement is limited to rotation.
Pivot Joint
Flexion of the foot. (foot drop)
Plantar Flexion
The assumption of the prone position.
Pronation
Paralysis of the arms and legs
Quadriplegia
The complete extent of movement of which a joint is normally capable.
Range of Motion
the patient independently moves joints through their full range of motion
Active ROM
the nurse may provide minimal support.
Active-Assistive ROM
the patient is unable to move independently and the nurse moves each joint through its range of motion.
Passive ROM
Turning on an axis.
Rotation
Bone surfaces are convex on one side and concave on the other. (Joint between the trapezium and metacarpal of the thumb) Movements are side to side and back and forth.
Saddle Joint
A lateral curvature of the spine with increased convexity on the side that is curved.
Scolosis
located in the wrist and ankle contribute to movement
Short Bones
The assumption of the supine position.
Supination
Strong, flexible, inelastic fibrous bands that attach muscle to bone
Tendons
