13.3 Examples of Skeletal Terms Easily Defined By Their Word Components
Here are examples of common medical terms related to the skeletal system that can be easily defined by breaking the terms into their word components.
Arthrocentesis
- Break down the medical term into word components: Arthr/o/centesis
- Label the word components: Arthr = WR; o = CV; centesis = S
- Define the word components: Arthr = joint; centesis = surgical puncture to aspirate fluid
- Create a final definition of the medical term: A surgical puncture to aspirate fluid from a joint
Osteomyelitis
- Break down the medical term into word components: Oste/o/myel/itis
- Label the word components: Oste = WR; o = CV; myel = WR; itis = S
- Define the word components: Oste = bone; myel = bone marrow; itis = inflammation
- Create a final definition of the medical term: Inflammation of bone and bone marrow
Vertebroplasty
- Break down the medical term into word components: Vertebr/o/plasty
- Label the word components: Vertebr = WR; o = CV; plasty = S
- Define the word components: Vertebr = vertebral column; plasty = surgical repair
- Create a final definition of the medical term: Surgical repair of the vertebral column
Interactive Learning Activity: Practice defining and pronouncing skeletal system medical terms by breaking them down into word parts.
You can also print these flashcard activities as a Chapter 13 Student Companion Worksheet and check your answers with this Answer Key.