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.
