Meaning & use
osseous structures
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Meaning
nounpluralmedicaltechnical
the bones and bony parts of the body, especially as seen in medical images
Grammar: Always plural; it refers to multiple bony parts. Use with a plural verb: The osseous structures appear normal.
Patterns
- osseous structures are normal
- examine the osseous structures
- the osseous structures of the hand
The X-ray report noted that the osseous structures were intact.
An MRI can show the osseous structures in great detail.
The doctor explained that the osseous structures around the joint showed signs of arthritis.
Common combinations
- osseous structures are intact
- The radiologist wrote that the osseous structures are intact.
- osseous structures appear normal
- The report says the osseous structures appear normal for the patient's age.
- evaluate the osseous structures
- The scan was done to evaluate the osseous structures of the spine.
Synonyms and how they differ
- bones
- The everyday word; osseous structures is the technical term used in medical contexts.
- skeletal structures
- Similar but broader, including cartilage and ligaments; osseous specifically refers to bone.
Word family
- osseous adjective
- Made of or relating to bone.
- ossification noun
- The process of bone forming.
Commonly confused: osseous structures or osteo-?
osseous structures vs osteo-
A prefix meaning 'bone,' as in osteoporosis. Osseous is an adjective meaning 'bony.'
Practice
The radiologist's report stated that the ______ were normal.
Choose one answer.
The plural 'osseous structures' agrees with the plural verb 'were.' 'Osseous structure' is singular and would need 'was,' while the other options are not grammatical forms.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “osseous structures”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.