Abstract

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 lack of standardization betweenTerminologia 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 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, aponeurosis. The use of these terms is often indiscriminate and can cause confusion among students. Incorporating the etymologyS of anatomical terms could be an important pedagogical strategy the teaching and learning processes of human anatomy.