What does os mean in medical terminology?

Os is a Latin term used in medical terminology that refers to a bone or a collection of bones. It can be found in the names of various bones and anatomical structures involving bones. Some examples of medical terms using os include:

- Os coxae: refers to the hip bone, which is formed by the fusion of the ilium, ischium, and pubis.

- Os frontale: refers to the frontal bone, located in the forehead region of the skull.

- Os nasale: refers to the nasal bone, which forms part of the bridge of the nose.

- Os sacrum: refers to the sacrum, which is a triangular bone formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae in the lower back.

- Os temporale: refers to the temporal bone, located on the lateral side of the skull.

When combined with other terms, "os" can provide more specific information about the bone in question. For instance, "osteoporosis" refers to a condition where bone mass decreases, leading to weaker bones, while "osteomyelitis" indicates inflammation or infection of the bone.