Term | Definition |
skeletal system | the bodily system that consists of the bones and joints |
bone | the substance that forms the skeleton of the body and provides structure and support |
bone remodeling | the constant process of the buildup and breakdown of bones |
osteoclast | a cell that breaks down bone tissue and releases calcium into the bloodstream |
osteoblast | a cell that takes calcium from the blood to build bone tissue |
bone density | the amount of bone tissue in a certain volume of bone (see also bone mineral density (BMD)) |
articulation | the joints between bones which are necessary for fluid and efficient movement |
joints | the area where two bones are attached for the purpose of motion of body parts |
cartilage | a firm, rubbery connective tissue that is found in the joints, respiratory passages, and the ear |
synovial membrane | a layer of connective tissue that secretes synovial fluid and lines the cavities of joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae |
synovial fluid | a lubricating fluid found in joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae |
osteoporosis | a reduction in bone density that results in weakened bones and fractures |
hip fracture | the break or rupture of a hip bone |
bone mineral density (BMD) | a measure of bone density (see also bone density) |
T-score | astatistical measure of bone mineral density that can be used to predict risk of fracture |
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) | a therapy using estrogen to treat menopausal symptoms and sometime osteoporosis |
bisphosphonates | a class of drugs that prevents bone breakdown so that stronger bones are maintained |
selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) | a class of drugs that work as estrogen receptors by mimicking the beneficial effects of estrogen on bone mineral density |
parathyroid hormone | a hormone that regulates the calcium–phosphate balance and stimulates new bone growth |
calcium | a mineral stored in bones |
vitamin D | a vitamin that is important in calcium metabolism |
osteopenia | a condition of reduced bone density and bone weakening |
elemental calcium | dissociated calcium ions |
arthritis | a common disorder caused by inflammation of the joint |
osteoarthritis (OA) | a common type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage that normally coats the ends of bones inside joints erodes, resulting in painful rubbing |
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) | a type of arthritis in which the immune system destroys the synovial membrane and produces inflammation within the joint itself |
gouty arthritis | a type of arthritis in which excessive uric acid accumulates in the blood causing urate crystals to form in the synovial fluid and irritate joints |
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | a class of drugs that block pain by inhibiting cyclooxygenase I (COX-1) and II (COX-2) |
prostaglandins | a hormone-like substance that is produced in response to various stimuli; produces pain in most of the body but is protective in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract |
cyclooxygenase I (COX-1) | an enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to prostaglandins through out the body |
cyclooxygenase II (COX-2) | an enzyme that promotes production of the prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation but not those that protect the GI lining |
cyclooxygenase-II (COX-2) inhibitors | a class of drugs that block the COX-2 enzyme thereby reducing prostaglandin production in the perifery but not in the gastrointestial tract |
disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) | a class of drugs used to improve functional status by slowing the disease progression of rhuematic disease |
acute gout attack | brief and severe attacks of gouty arthritis |
chronic gout prophylaxis | a long duration or frequent attacks of gouty arthritis |
glucosamine | a remedy used by some to improve pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis |
chondroitin | a remedy taken by some in combination with glucosamine for hip and knee osteoarthritis |
bone homeostasis | a continual process that grows and repairs bone |
joint function | joints allow movement |
estrogen | a steroid compound that functions as the primary female sex hormone |
appendicular bones | a type of bone found in the extremities |
axial bones | a type of bone that includes the skull, spine, and thorax (ribs) |
hinge movement | a joint that permits motion only in one plane, forward and backward |
ball-and-socket movement | a joint that permits motion around an indefinite number of axes, which have one common center |
pivot movement | a joint where movement is limited to rotation |
osteonecrosis | bone tissue death |
erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) | a laboratory test used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and a variety of other conditions |
rheumatoid factor (RF) | a laboratory test used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases/conditions |
biological response modifiers | substances (or drugs) that stimulate the body's response to infection and disease |