Medical Terminology of the Skeletal System
It is crucial for a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) administrator to possess a fundamental understanding of medical terminology concerning the skeletal system. Such knowledge allows admins to effectively navigate and interpret radiographic images and reports. Facilitating accurate data management and efficient workflow within the healthcare environment
Familiarity with basic bone anatomy, including the names, locations, and characteristics of major skeletal structures, enables the PACS administrator to accurately label and organize images, ensuring seamless retrieval and interpretation by healthcare professionals.
Moreover, understanding medical terminology related to bones enhances communication and collaboration between the PACS administrator, radiologists, and other medical personnel involved in diagnosing and treating skeletal disorders.
By comprehending the intricacies of bone terminology, the PACS administrator can contribute to streamlining the workflow, optimizing patient care, and ultimately improving the overall efficiency of the radiology department.
Head and Neck
Bones of the head
Skull = Cranium
Forehead = Frontal bone
Back of the head = Occipital bone
Bone around eyes = Orbital bone/ocular bone
Nose = Nasal bridge/ bone
Cheekbone = Zygomatic bone
T/M joint = Temporomandibular joint
Jaw = Mandible
Bone above the upper teeth = Maxilla
Lateral part of the Skull above the cheekbone = Temporal bone
Bone above the temporal bone = Parietal bone
Bones of neck
Cervical vertebrae or Cervical spine (C1-C7)
Bones of the thorax
Anterior Region
Collar bone = Clavicle
Ribs = 12 costal bones (12th rib is the shortest)
Chest bone = Sternum
Head of the sternum = Manubrium
Posterior Region
The upper back = Thoracic vertebrae or Thoracic spine (T1-T12)
Shoulder blade = Scapula
The lower Back = Lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5)
Bones of upper extremities
Arm = Humerus
Forearm = Radius laterally and Ulna medially
Wrist = Carpal bones (8 bones)
At the palmar region = Metacarpal bones (5 bones)
Fingers = Phalanges
Bones of the Hip girdle or Pelvic girdle
The pelvic girdle is formed by two left and right single hip bones that unite anteriorly at the pubic
symphysis. Posteriorly they are attached to the sacrum and coccyx of the axial skeleton. It is
also called pelvis.
The left or right hip bone is the fusion of 3 bones (the ilium laterally + ischium at the base of
Pelvis + pubic bone anteriorly)
Top lining of hip bone= iliac crest
Pointed tip of hip bone in front = anterior superior liac spine
Hip joint = Acetabulofemoral joint.
It is the ball and socket joint where the socket is the acetabulum
of hip bone; and the ball is the head of the femur.
Bones of the lower extremities
Thigh = Femur
Knee = Patella
Leg = There are 2 long bones; the shin bone (Tibia) medially and calf bone (Fibula) laterally
Ankle = formed by 3 bones: Distal ends of Tibia and Fibula as the upper part. The third one
Is the Talus as the lower part.
The bulging distal end fibula is called the lateral malleolus of the ankle, and the bulging distal
end of the tibia is called the medial malleolus of the ankle.
Heel = Calcaneus
Bones of the foot
Hindfoot (area around the heel) = formed by 2 Tarsal bones (the talus is sitting on the
calcaneus).
Midfoot = 5 Tarsal bones
Forefoot = 5 Metatarsal bones
5 toes = 5 Phalanges
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is crucial for a PACS administrator to have a fundamental awareness of medical terms relating to bones. This information makes it possible to correctly identify, arrange, and analyze radiographic pictures, improving workflow and promoting effective data management. Knowledge of bone terminology also improves collaboration and communication with medical specialists. In the end, this knowledge helps the radiology department operate more effectively and provide better patient care.