Chapter 2: Medical Terminology: The Human Body in Health and Disease Flashcards
terms used to describe the location of the body planes, directions, and cavities
anatomical reference systems
the cells, tissues, and glands that form the body systems that work together to enable the body function properly
structures of the body
a group of similarly specialized cells that work together to perform specific functions
tissues
a group of specialized cells that is capable of producing secretions
glands
organs are somewhat independent parts of the body that perform specific functions. Organs with related functions are organized into body systems
body systems and related organs
word part: means gland
aden/o
word root: means fat
adip/o
word root: means before, front
anter/o
word root: means lower part of body, tail
caud/o
word root: means head
cephal/o
word root: means cell
cyt/o
prefix: means in, within, inside
end- and endo-
prefix: means out of, outside, away from
exo-
word root: means tissue
hist/o
word root: means disease, suffering, feeling, emotion
path/o
suffix: means disease, suffering, feeling, emotion
-pathy
suffix: means development, growth, formation
-plasia
word root: means behind, toward the back
poster/o
suffix: means control, maintenance of a constant level
-stasis and -static
contains the major organs of digestion
abdominal cavity
a malignant tumor that originates in the glands and may spread to other parts of the body
adenocarcinoma
a change in the structure of cells and in their orientation to each other
anaplasia
the study of the structures of the body
anatomy
a deviation from what is regarded as normal
anomaly
situated in the front
anterior
the defective development, or the congenital absence, of an organ or tissue
aplasia
a postmortem examination
autopsy
the spread of pathogens through infected blood or other body fluids
bloodborne transmission
toward the head
cephalic
a genetic structure located within the nucleus of each cell
chromosome
any condition that is transmitted from one person to another either directly or by indirect contact with contaimiated objects
communicable disease
the material within the cell membrane that is not part of the nucleus
cytoplasm
situated farthest from the midline or beginning of a body structure
distal
the back of the organ or body
dorsal
the abnormal development or growth of cells, or the presence of abnormal cells within a type of tissue
dysplasia
the ongoing presence of a disease within population, group, or area
endemic
produce hormones, do not have ducts
endocrine glands
a sudden and widespread outbreak of a disease within a specific population group or area
epidemic
located above the stomach
epigastric region
the study of the causes of diseases or abnormal conditions
etiology
secrete chemical substances into ducts that lead either to other organs or out of the body
exocrine glands
a condition that produced physical symptoms for which no disease or other organic cause can be identified
functional disorder
a pathological condition caused by an absent or defective gene
gentetic disorder
a physician who specializes in the care of older people
geriatrician
a hereditary bleeding disorder in which a blood-clotting factor is missing
hemophilia
the processes through which the body maintains a constant internal environment
homeostasis
an increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ
hyperplasia
a general increase in the bulk of a body part or organ due to an increase in the size, but not the number, of cells in the tissues
hypertrophy
located below the stomach
hypogastric region
an unfavorable response due to prescribed medical treatment
iatrogenic illness
any disease without a known cause
idiopathic disease
an illness caused by living pathogenic organisms such as bacteria and viruses
infectious disease
relating to the groin, refers to the entire lower area of the abdomen
inguinal
the direction toward or nearer the midline
medial
also known as the midline, the sagittal plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves
midsagittal plane
a disease acquired in a hospital or clinical setting
nosocomial infection
an outbreak of a disease occurring over a large geographic area, sometimes even worldwide
pandemic
the space formed by the hip bones and contains the organs of the reproductive and excretory systems
pelvic cavity
a multilayered membrane that protects and holds the organs in place within the abdominal cavity
peritoneum
inflammation of the peritoneum
peritonitis
the study of the functions of the structures of the body
physiology
situated in the back or on the back part of an organ
posterior
situated nearest the midline or beginning of abody structure
proximal
located behind the peritoneum
retroperitoneal
unspecialized cells that are able to renew themselves for long periods of time by cell division
stem cells
also known as the chest cavity or thorax; surrounds and protects the heart and lungs
thoracic cavity
a horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions
transverse plane
commonly known as the belly button or navel, this pit in the center of the abdominal wall marks the point where the umbillical cord was attached before birth
umbilicus
is the spread of certain disease through blood-sucking vectors
vector-borne transmission
refers to the front, or belly side, of the organ or body
ventral
describes the body standing in the standard position
anatomical position
imaginary vertical and horizontal lines used to divide the body into sections
body planes
up-and-down plane that is at a right angle to the horizon
vertical plane
a vertical plane that divides the body into unequal left and right portions
sagittal
a vertical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions. aka the coronal plane
frontal plane
a flat, crosswise plane
horizontal plane
word root: means belly side of the body
ventr
word root: means back of the body
dors
word root: means front or before
anter
word root: means back or toward the back
poster
means uppermost, above, or toward the head
superior
means lowermost, below, or toward the feet
inferior
word root: means head
cephal
means lower part of the body
caudal
word root: means tail or lower part of the body
caud
means the direction toward, or nearer, the side of the body, away from the midline
lateral
located along the back of the body and head, contains organs of the nervous system and is divided into two portions: cranial and spinal cavity
dorsal cavity
located within the skull, surrounds and protects the brain
cranial cavity
located within the spinal column, surrounds and protects the spinal cord
spinal cavity
located along the front of the body, contains the organs that sustain homeostasis
ventral cavity
word root: means constant
home/o
refers to the abdominal cavity and pelvic cavities as a single unit
abdominopelvic cavity
word root: means pelvis
pelv
the crease at the junction of the trunk with the upper end of the thigh
groin
a system that divides the abdomen and lower portion of the thorax into nine parts
regions of the thorax and abdomen
covered by the lower ribs
right and left hypochondriac regions
word root: means cartilage
chondr/i
prefix: means above
epi-
located near the inward curve of the spine
right and left lumbar regions
word root: means lower back
lumb
the part of the back between the ribs and the pelvis
lumbar
surrounds the umbilicus, commonly known as the belly button or navel
umbilical region
located near the hip bones
right and left iliac regions
right upper quadrant, left upper quadrant, right lower quadrant, and left lower quadrant
quadrants of the abdomen
a thin layer of tissue that covers a surface, lines a cavity, or divides a space or organ
membrane
the outer layer of the peritoneum that lines the interior of the abdominal wall
parietal peritoneum
means cavity wall
parietal
a fused double layer of the parietal peritoneum that attaches parts of the intestine to the interior abdominal wall
mesentery
the inner layer of the peritoneum that surrounds the organs of the abdominal cavity
visceral peritoneum
means relating to the internal organs
visceral
prefix: means behind
retro-
word root: means peritoneum
periton
basic structural and functional units of the body
cells
the study of the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and chemistry of the cell
cytology
a specialist in the study and analysis of cells
cytologist
the tissue that surrounds and protects the contents of a cell from the external environment
cell membrane
suffix: means formative material of cells
-plasm
surrounded by the nuclear membrane
nucleus
controls the activities of the cell and helps the cell divide
functions of the nucleus
aka somatic stem cells, cells that are undifferentiated cells found among differentiated cells in a tissue or organ
adult stem cells
not having a specialized function or structure
undifferentiated
having a specialized function or structure
differentiated
undifferentiated cells that are unlike any specific adult cell, they have the important ability to form any adult cell
embryonic stem cells
a developing fetus
embryo
word root: means fertilized ovum
embry/o
those involved have been given information about what is involved before granting permission
informed consent
aka regenerative medicine, has many potential uses to heal injuries and treat diseases
stem cell therapy
blood forming
hematopoietic
unless there is an excellent match between the donor and recipient, there is a possibility of rejection aka
graft versus host disease
a fundamental physical and functional unit of heredity
gene
the study of how genes are transferred from parent to their children and the role of genes in health and disease
genetics
means producing
gene
a specialist who specializes in the study of genes
geneticist
when inherited from either parent, the offspring will inherit that genetic condition or characteristic
dominant gene
when inherited from both parents, the offspring will have that condition
recessive gene
group of inherited red blood cell disorders that are transmitted by a recessive gene
sickle cell anemia
when inherited from only one parent, and a normal gene is inherited from the other parent, offspring will not have the condition
recessive gene
the complete set of genetic information of an organism
genome
any cell in the body except the gametes
somatic cell
gametes
sex cell
means pertaining to the body in general
somatic
egg
ovum
contains thousands of genes that provide information essential for heredity, determining physical appearance, disease risks, and other traits
DNA
abbreviation of deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA
these do not have a nucleus
erythrocytes
a shape twisted like a spiral staircase
helix
consists two strands twisted together
double helix
a change of the sequence of a DNA molecule
genetic mutation
a change within the cells of the body. Can affect the individual but cannot be transmitted to the next generation
somatic cell mutation
a change within the genes in a gamete that can be transmitted by a parent to his or her children
gametic cell mutation
the manipulating or splicing of genes for scientific or medical purposes
genetic engineering
a genetic disorder that is present at birth and affects both the respiratory and digestive systems
cystic fibrosis
aka trisomy 21, a genetic variation that is associated with a characteristic facial appearance, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and physical abnormalities
down syndrome
caused by changes in the MR1 gene that usually makes a protein needed for normal brain development. Characterized by developmental delays, learning disabilities, and social and behavior problems
fragile x syndrome
a genetic disorder that is passed from parent to child. causes nerve degeneration with symptoms that most often appear in midlife
huntingtons disease
means worsening condition
degeneration
a disorder affecting the connective tissue throughout the body, including the heart, eyes, blood vessels and musculoskeletal system. individuals with this condition often have a tall, slender build and disproportionately long arms, legs, and fingers
marfan syndrome
a group of genetic diseases that are characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement. think gypsy rose
muscular dystrophy
a rare genetic disorder which the essential digestive enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase is missing
phenylketonuria
a pathological condition caused by an absent or defective gene
genetic disorder
word root: means tissue
hist
a non-physician specialist who studies the microscopic structure of tissues
histology
for main types of tisses
epithelial, connective, muscle, nerve
forms a protective covering for all of the internal and external surfaces of the body
epithelial tissue
is specialized epithelial tissue that forms the epidermis of the skin and the surface layer of mucous
epithelium
is the specialized epithelial tissue that lines the blood and lymph vessels, body cavities, glands, and organs
epithelium
support and connects organs and other body tissues
connective tissues
for kinds of connective tissue
dense, adipose, loose, fluid
such as bone and cartilage, form the joints and framework of the body
dense connective tissue
aka fat, provides protective padding, insulation, and support
adipose tissue
word root: means fat
adip
holds organs in place and binds tissue together
loose connective tissue
are blood and lymph, transport nutrients and waste products throughout the body
fluid connective tissues
contains cells with the specialized ability to contract and relax
muscle tissue
contains cells with the specialized ability to react to stimuli and to conduct electrical impulses
nerve tissue
caused by the body not producing enough blood cells
aplastic anemia
is the underdevelopment of an organ or tissue, usually due to a deficiency in the number of cells
hypoplasia
protective outer layer of developing teeth is deficient
enamel hypoplasia
the abnormal development or growth of cells, or the presence of abnormal cells within a type of tissue
dysplasia
refers to abnormal cells being found in the cervix
cervical dysplasia
suffix: means development
-trophy
the substance produced by a gland
secretion
two major types of glands
exocrine and endocrine
suffix: means to secrete
-crine
refers to a mass of gland-like lymphoid tissue at the back of the upper pharynx
adenoids
the inflammation of a gland
adenitis
an inflammation of the lymph nodes in the abdomen that has symptoms similar to appendicitis
mesenteric adenitis
word root: means cancerous
carcin
suffix: means tumor
-oma
means harmful, capable of spreading, and potentially life-threatening
malignant
a benign tumor that starts in the epithelial tissue of a gland or gland-like structure
adenoma
any disease or condition of a gland
adenosis
a somewhat independent part of the body that performs a specific function
organ
major structures: bones, joints and cartilage
major functions: supports and shapes the body. forms some blood cells and stores minerals
skeletal system
major structures: muscles, fascia and tendons.
major functions: holds the body erect. makes movement possible. moves body fluids and generates body hat
muscular system
major structures: heart, arteries, veins, capillaries, and blood
major functions: blood circulates throughout the body to transport oxygen and nutrients to cells, and to carry waste products to the kidneys where waste is removed by filtration
cardiovascular system
major structure: lymph, lymphatic vessels, and lymph nodes
major functions: removes and transports waste products from the fluid between cells. destroys harmful substances such as pathogens and cancer cells in the lymph nodes. returns the filtered lymph to the bloodstream where it becomes plasma again
lymphatic system
major structures: tonsils, spleen, thymus, skin, and specialized blood cells
major functions: defends the body against invading pathogens and allergens
immune system
major structures: nose, pharynx, trachea, larynx, and lungs
major functions: brings oxygen into the body for transportation to the cells. removes carbon dioxide and some water waste from the body
respiratory system
major structures: mouth, teeth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, liver, and pancreas
major functions: digests ingested food so it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. eliminates solid waste
digestive system
major structures: kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra
major functions: filters blood to waste. maintains the electrolyte and fluid balance within the body
urinary system
major structure: nerves, brain, and spinal cord
major functions: coordinates the reception of stimuli. transmits messages throughout the body
nervous system
major structures: eyes and ears
major functions: receive visual and auditory information and transit it to the brain
special senses
major structures: skin, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands
major functions: protects the body against invasion by bacteria. aids in regulating the body temperature and water content
integumentary system
major structures: adrenal glands, gonads, pancreas, parathyroids, pineal, pituitary, thymus, and thyroid
major functions: integrates all body functions
endocrine system
major structures: male-penis and testicles; female- ovaries, uterus, and vagina
major function: produces new life
reproductive system
a physician who specializes in the laboratory analysis of diseased tissue samples to confirm or establish a diagnosis
pathologist
prefix: means cause
eti-
a disease-producing microorganism such as a virus
pathogen
the spread of a disease
transmission
means that a pathogen is possibly present
contamination
means capable of being transmitted
communiable
occurs when there is human-to-human contact in the form of touch or the exchange of bodily fluids
direct transmission
the spread of infected respiratory droplets sprayed by coughing or sneezing onto a nearby person
droplet transmission
occurs in situations in which a susceptible person is infected by contact with a contaminated surface
indirect contract transmission
occurs through contact with pathogens floating in the air
airborne transmission
aka fecal-oral transmission, caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water that has not been properly treated to remove contamination or kill any pathogens present
food-borne and waterborne transmission
a specialist in the study of outbreaks of disease within a population group
epidemiologist
word root: means population
demi/i
prefix: means entire
pan-
produces symptoms that are detectable physical changes in the body
organic disorder
word root: means peculiar to the individual
idi/o
an illness caused by living pathogenic organisms such as bacteria and virsuses
infectious disease
a common medical condition characterized by risk factors for developing heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes
metabolic syndrome
an abnormal condition that exists at the time of birth
congenital disorder
aka a birth defect, can result in an anomaly or malformation such as the absence of a limb or the presence of an extra toe
developmental disorder
describes the congenital absence of narrowing of a normal body opening or passage
atresia
a birth that occurs earlier than the 37th week of development
premature birth
disorders that occur as a result of trauma during labor or delievery
birth injuries
documents used to provide guidance about types of treatment a person may want to receive in case of an unknown future medical emergency. can also state who is authorized to make healthcare decisions if a person cannot do so themselves
advanced directive
aka durable power of attorney for health care, is an advanced directive allowing the person to appoint a trusted person to make treatment decisions should be patient be unable to make them
health care proxy
aka physicians orders for life-sustaining treatment, is a document that allows a person to state their wises for end-of-life medical care, in case they become unable to communicate their decisions
living will
aka no code or allow natural death, a legal document stating that a person does not wish to receive cardipulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a patient’s heart or breathing stop
do no resuscitate (DNR)
include roles outside of medicine, nursing, and pharmacy
allied health professions
provides ongoing care for patients of all ages
general practitioner or family practice physician
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disease and disorders of the internal organs and related body systems
internist
a physician who specializes in diagnosing, treating and preventing disorders and diseases of infants and children
pediatrician
word root: means child
ped
suffix: means a field of medicine
-iatrics
branch of medicine relating to the health of older adults
geriatrics
word root: means old age
ger
a nurse with graduate training who often work as a PCP
nurse practioner
a licensed professional who works under the supervision of a physician
physician assistant
schedules and registers patients for appointments
medical receptionist
performs administrative and clinical tasks in a doctors office such as coding patients medical information, measuring a patients vital signs administering injections, and drawing blood
medical assistant
a medical assistant certified through the american association of medical assistants
certified medical assistant
reviews patients medical records for insurance purposes, assigning codes for treatment and services based on universal alphanumeric codes for medical diagnoses, equipment and procedures
medical coder
aka emergency department, focuses on diagnosing and treating life-threatening emergency medical conditions
emergency room
a doctor who specializes in high-acuity medicine in the ER
emergency physician
refers to the level of severity of an illness
acuity
a licensed health care professional who works in a pre hospital setting on an ambulance or in an emergency room
emergency medical technician (EMT)
a licensed health care professional who works in a variety of health care settings
registered nurse
aka a licensed practical nurse, works under the supervision of a doctor or RN to provide basic patient care
licensed vocational nurse
works under the supervision of a RN to provide basic patient care
certified nursing assistant (CNA)
a licensed medical professional who dispenses prescribed medication to patients
pharmacists
aka critical care unit, provides continuously monitored care for critically ill patients, cardiac patients, and neurological patients
intensive care unit (ICU)
a physician specializing in the care of critically ill patients hospitalized in the ICU
intensivist
a physician focusing on the general medical care of hospitalized patients
hospitalist
unit provides continuous cardiac monitoring for patients with heart problems not acquiring intensive care
telemetery
word root: means distant
tele
suffix: means to measure
-metry
unit provides nursing care for lower-acuity patients who are recovering from surgery or require continued drug therapy or monitoring
med/surg unit
