Veterinary Medical Terminology Chapter 3: Part 1 The Skeleton
Chondr/o
cartilage
Ligament
A band of fibrous connective tissue that connects one bone to another bone.
Tendon
A band of fibrous connective tissue that connects muscle to bone.
Meniscus
A curved fibrous cartilage found in some joints, that cushions forces applied to the joint.
Cartilage
A form of connective tissue that is more elastic than bone.
Articular Cartilage
A specific type of cartilage that covers the joint surfaces of bone.
Epi-
above
Dia-
between
Meta-
beyond
Oste/o
bone
Long Bones
bones consisting of shaft, two ends, and a marrow cavity (i.e., femur)
Physis
cartilage segment of long bone that involves growth of the bone; also called the growth plate or epiphyseal cartilage.
Joints/Articulations
connections between bones
Short Bones
cube-shaped bones with no marrow cavity (i.e., carpal bones)
Appendicular Skeleton
framework of the body that consists of the extremities, shoulder, and pelvic girdle. (composed of the bones of the limb)
Axial Skeleton
framework of the body that includes the skull, auditory ossicles, hyoid bones, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum. (bones that lie around the body's center of gravity)
Physis
growth
Cortical Bone
hard, dense, strong bone that forms the outer layer of bone; also called compact bone.
Arthr/o
joint(s)
Diarthroses
joints that allow free movement
Synarthroses
joints that allow no movement
Amphiarthroses
joints that allow slight movement
Ligament/o
ligament
Cancellous Bone
lighter, less strong bone that is found in the ends and inner portions of long bones; also called spongy bone.
Diaphysis
shaft of a long bone that is composed mainly of compact bone.
Pneumatic Bones
sinus-containing bones (i.e., frontal bone)
Sesamoid Bones
small bones embedded in a tendon (i.e., patella)
-um
structure
Peri-
surrounding
Ten/o, Tend/o, Tendin/o
tendon
Flat Bones
thin, flat bones (i.e., pelvis)
Endosteum
tough, fibrous tissue that forms the lining of the medullary cavity.
Periosteum
tough, fibrous tissue that forms the outer covering of bone.
Irregular Bones
unpaired bones (i.e., vertebrae)
Epiphysis
wide end of a long bone, which is covered with articular cartilage and is composed of cancellous bone.
Metaphysis
wider part of long bone shaft located adjacent tot the physis; in adult animals, it is considered part of the epiphysis.
Endo-
within or inner
