Descriptionary

sphenoid the front of the base of the skull and part of the nasal and orbital cavities.

stapes in the middle ear, the stirrup.

sternum the breastbone where the ribs and collar­bone are attached.

talus the astragalus.

temporal the sides of the base of the skull.

tibia the large leg bone extending from knee to ankle.

tympanic collectively, the three small bones of the middle ear, the incus, malleus, and stapes.

ulna the inner forearm bone, from the elbow to the wrist.

vertebrae the spinal column, consisting of 33 ver­tebrae.

vomer the bone forming the back of the nasal sep­tum.

zygoma cheekbone.

Bone Diseases, Disorders, and Breaks

Colles fracture the most common type of wrist fracture, involving the radius and ulna bones.

comminuted fracture a bone splintered into many pieces.

compound fracture a fracture accompanied by a flesh wound through which the bone may protrude.

countertraction used in traction to pull bones together and realign them after a break.

crepitation the sound of broken bones when they rub together. Also the cracking of joints.

fatigue fracture a fracture of the metatarsal shaft, usually caused by prolonged marching or walking. Also known as a march fracture.

Kirschner wires the wires threaded through broken bones to help pull them back together.

marble bone a disease in which bones become extremely dense. Also known as Albers-Schdnberg disease.

ossification the transformation of connective tissue or cartilage into bone.

osteoarthritis a disease characterized by a wasting away of bone and cartilage.

osteochondritis inflammation of bone.

osteoclasis intentionally rebreaking a bone in order to reset it in a more accurate alignment.

osteofibrosis degeneration of bone marrow.

osteogenic sarcoma a malignant bone tumor.

osteology the study of bones.

osteoporosis a condition frequently found in elderly women in which the bones become brittle and easily broken, due to a calcium deficiency.

pathologic fracture a fracture due to a disease pro­cess rather than an injury.

Pott's fracture the most common type of lower leg fracture, involving the tibia and fibula.

scoliosis curvature of the spine.

spur a small, projecting growth of bone.

traction the pulling together and alignment of bones by a system of ropes and pulleys.

Teeth

alveolus the socket of a tooth.

bicuspid premolar teeth, between the molars and canines.

bruxism gnashing or grinding the teeth, especially during sleep.

canine teeth the sharp, pointy front teeth. Also known as cuspids.

caries cavities.

cementum the bonelike tissue covering the roots of the teeth.

cusp the pointed part of a tooth. cuspid see canine teeth.

deciduous teeth temporary teeth; first teeth, or baby teeth. Also known as milk teeth.

dedentition loss of teeth.

dentalgia toothache.

dentition the eruption of the teeth through the gums.

denture false teeth; artificial teeth.

enamel the hard, smooth substance covering the crown of a tooth.

gingivitis inflammation of gums; early form of gum disease.

gumboil an abscess found in the root of a rotting tooth.

impaction a condition in which one tooth lies nearly on its side and is wedged tightly against another tooth, usually involving wisdom teeth.

incisor teeth the eight front cutting teeth.

macrodontia abnormally large teeth.

malocclusion a condition in which the top and bot­tom teeth fail to meet or clench together properly, causing problems with biting and chewing.

masticate to chew.

milk teeth see deciduous teeth.

molars the large teeth at the back of the mouth used for grinding and chewing.

odontectomy removal of teeth.

odontology dentistry.

odontoma a tumor formed from the tissue involved in tooth growth.

periodontal surrounding a tooth.

periodontal disease any disease of the tissues sur­rounding the teeth.

periodontitis inflammation of the gums, loss of bone tissue, and the formation of pockets around the teeth. Also known as pyorrhea.

plaque a sticky film made of mucus, food particles, and bacteria; it forms on teeth after eating.

premolars the teeth between the canines and the molars.

pyorrhea see periodontitis.

tartar a yellowish concretion on the teeth composed of calcium phosphate.

wisdom teeth the last or rearmost molars on each side; they erupt during late adolescence.

skin

achromasia a condition of lacking skin pigmenta­tion, as an albino. Also known as leukoderma.