What are injuries or illnesses affecting muscles, tendons, nerves, joints, ligaments, and cartilage called?

Injuries or illnesses that affect muscles, tendons, nerves, joints, ligaments, and cartilage are categorized as musculoskeletal disorders. This term encompasses a wide range of conditions that can cause pain and discomfort in the musculoskeletal system, which includes the skeletal system alongside the muscles that support movement and stability. Such disorders can result from various factors, including overuse, injury, degenerative diseases, or inflammation.

For instance, common musculoskeletal disorders include conditions like tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, and sprains, all of which directly involve the structures specified in the question. Understanding this categorization is essential for health professionals, as it allows for targeted treatment approaches and preventive strategies.

The other categories mentioned—neurological disorders, cardiovascular disorders, and dermatological disorders—do not pertain to the musculoskeletal system and therefore do not capture the essence of the question, which focuses specifically on muscle and joint-related issues.