Nicolás Vidal-Seguel; Marcelo Ortega-Silva; Carlos Torres-Villar & Jorge Henríquez

SUMMARY: The anatomical study of the musculoskeletal system in health-related degree programs involves the identification of muscles and their anatomical details, which can be challenging for students due to the complexity of technical language and the lack of standardization between Terminologia Anatomica (TA) and medical literature. The teaching of the musculoskeletal system also includes connective tissue structures essential for muscle function, such as aponeuroses, bursae, endomysium, epimysium, fasciae, perimysium, retinacula, intramuscular septa, tendons, and synovial sheaths. Proper use of these terms is fundamental, as synonymy among them can lead to confusion. The aim of the study was to analyze these anatomical structures, from their etymological origin to their correct usage. An etymological analysis of the TA terms was carried out and compared with definitions found in textbooks and medical dictionaries. The analysis revealed four main groups of structures: bursa, fascia, tendon, and tendon sheaths, and three terms related to muscle architecture: endomysium, perimysium, and epimysium. Etymological definitions and their use in anatomy were consistent in most cases, except for fascia, sheath, and aponeurosis. The use of these terms is often indiscriminate and can cause confusion among students. Incorporating the etymology of anatomical terms could be an important pedagogical strategy in the teaching and learning processes of human anatomy.

VIDAL-SEGUEL, N.; ORTEGA-SILVA, M.; TORRES- VILLAR, C. & HENRÍQUEZ, J. Connective tissue structures related to the musculoskeletal system: analysis and concordance in Terminologia Anatomica. Int. J. Morphol., 43(4):1409-1414, 2025.