Word parts
What it means
The musculoskeletal system holds the body up, protects the organs and lets it move. Musculoskeletal problems include fractures, sprains, osteoarthritisos-tee-oh-ar-THRY-tisA long-term joint disease in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears away.oste/o bonearthr/o joint-itis inflammationFull entry , rheumatoid arthritisROO-muh-toyd ar-THRY-tisA long-term autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints.rheumat/o flowing, joint pain-oid likearthr/o joint-itis inflammationFull entry and osteoporosisos-tee-oh-puh-ROH-sisA condition in which bones lose density and become thin, weak and easy to break.oste/o bonepor/o pore, small opening-osis abnormal conditionFull entry . A musculoskeletal assessment looks at posture, gait, muscle strength, joint swelling and range of motionRAYNJ uv MOH-shunHow far a joint can move in each of its normal directions, and the exercises that move joints through it.Full entry .
For the nurse
Compare one side with the other, ask about pain and stiffness, and watch how the client walks and moves. Nurses also protect their own musculoskeletal health with safe lifting and lift equipment.
At a glance
| Spanish | musculoesquelético |
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Related terms
-al
A word ending that means relating to or belonging to.
range of motion
How far a joint can move in each of its normal directions, and the exercises that move joints through it.
osteoarthritis
A long-term joint disease in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears away.
skeletal muscle
Muscle attached to bones that a person moves by choice, such as the muscles of the arms and legs.