Common Word Roots for Skeletal System (Part 3)

mandibul/o is a combining form that refers to "mandible (lower jawbone)". The mandible is the biggest bone in the human skull. It secures the lower teeth in alignment. Aside from that, it plays an important role in chewing the food, as well as forming the lower jawline.

maxill/o is a combining form that refers to "maxilla (upper jawbone)". The upper jaw (maxilla) is responsible for supporting the upper teeth, supporting the muscles involved in chewing, helping to define the middle of the face as well as facial expressions and serving as a support for the nose as well.

menisc/o is a combining form that refers to "meniscus". The meniscus is C-shaped cartilage that is made up of tough, rubbery fibers and that plays a role in absorbing shock during motion between the thighbone and the shinbone in the knee. It is important to note that there are two menisci in each knee joint.

myel/o is a combining form that pertains to "bone marrow" or can also refer to "spinal cord". Bone marrow consists of the soft, spongy tissue that has many blood vessels, and it is found at the center of most bones. The two main types of bone marrow are red and yellow. The spinal cord is the lengthy, cylinder-shaped structure that links your brain and lower back. It begins at the base of the brain stem and extends to the lower back. Comprises of fluids, tissues, and nerve cells, the spinal cord is protected by a skeletal structure made up of vertebrae. Electrical nerve signals are transmitted throughout your body through the spinal cord.

oste/o is a combining form that refers to "bone". The bone is a hard, solid tissue that forms the skeletal system of the human body. The bone is a connective tissue that is composed of four types of cells: osteocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and bone lining cells. On the inside, bones contain a hexagonal structure that provides the bones with their rigidity. The main function of bone is to support and provide shape for the body, and to protect certain organs. The bone also functions as a repository for minerals and contains the marrow where blood cells develop and are maintained.

patell/o is a combining form that refers to "patella (kneecap)". In the front part of the knee joint, there is a bony disc called the patella which serves as a connection between the thighbone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia). The kneecap provides protection to the knee and helps keep the muscles on the front of the thigh attached to the tibia.

pelv/i or pelv/o is a combining form that refers to "pelvis (pelvic bone)". Pelvis is a basin-shaped bone that supports the spinal column and protects the abdominal organs. There are several parts to this bone, including: Sacrum, a spade-shaped bone. The coccyx (also known as the tail bone). The three hip bones referred to as the ilium, pubis and ischium.

phalang/o is a combining form that refers to "phalanges (finger and toes bones)". The phalanges are the little bones that make up the fingers and toes. The phalanges are essential to the mobility and dexterity of the fingers, and also the entire hand.

pub/o is a combining form that refers to "pubis". Pubis, along with the ilium and ischium, form the hip bone of the pelvis. The pubis is connected to the pelvic girdle's back bones, keeping them in place. Its main purpose is to protect the bladder, intestines, and internal sexual organs. In this way, the top half of the body can be connected to the bottom half of the body through a circular structure.

rachi/o is a combining form that refers to "vertebrae (spinal column or vertebral column)". Spinal column (vertebrae) is a flexible structure that extends from neck to tail, composed of a group of bones. The primary function of the vertebral column is the protection of the spinal cord. Additionally, it serves as a stabilizing structure for the body and as an attachment point for the pectoral and pelvic girdles. Furthermore, it distributes body weight when walking and standing.