Glossary

Antibody

A protein produced by the body's immune system in response to a foreign substance (antigen)

Arthroscopy

A surgical procedure to examine the inside of a joint, this tends to be a minimal invasion operation to repair a damaged joint.

Articular disc

The articular disc is a thin, oval plate of fibrocartilage present in several joints which separates synovial cavities, allowing seperate movements to occur.

Articulation

The point of connection between two bones.

Autoimmune disease

A disorder caused when an individual's immune system reacts against their own organs and tissues.

Bruxism

is the grinding of the teeth, and is typically accompanied by the clenching of the jaw, often caused by stress.

Corticosteroids

A class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex, which can diminish an inflammatory respons.

Fibromyalgia

Chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints, which is widespread in the body.

Fossa

This is a 'pit' or depression on a bone.

Immunoglobulin G

Immunoglobulins (Ig) are antibodies with five major classes. IgG is main antibody in the defense against bacteria.