Commonly Misused Medical Terms

Question 1

Aberrant

Answer 1

Deviating from the usual or natural type

Question 2

Apparent

Answer 2

Clear or manifest to the senses

Question 3

Anuresis

Answer 3

Retention of urine in the urinary bladder

Question 4

Enuresis

Answer 4

An involuntary discharge of urine

Question 5

Fissure

Answer 5

A natural cleft between body parts or in the substance of an organ

Question 6

Fistula

Answer 6

An abnormal passage that leads from an abscess or hollow organ or part to the body surface or from one hollow organ or part to another and that may be surgically created to permit passage of fluids or secretions

Question 7

Hypophysis

Answer 7

Pituitary Gland

Question 8

Hypothesis

Answer 8

A proposition tentatively assumed in order to draw out its logical or empirical consequences and test its consistency with facts that are known or may be determined

Question 9

Ileum

Answer 9

The last division of the small intestine that constitutes the part between the jejunum and large intestine and in humans forms the last three fifths of the part of the small intestine beyond the end of the duodenum and that is smaller and thinner-walled than the jejunum with fewer circular folds but more numerous Peyer’s patches

Question 10

Ilium

Answer 10

The dorsal, upper, and largest one of the three bones composing either lateral half of the pelvis that in humans is broad and expanded above and narrower below where it joins with the ischium and pubis to form part of the acetabulum

Question 11

Laceration

Answer 11

A torn and ragged wound

Question 12

Lesion

Answer 12

An abnormal change in structure of an organ or part due to injury or disease

Question 13

Mucous

Answer 13

Covered with or as if with mucus : of, relating to, or resembling mucus : secreting or containing mucus

Question 14

Mucus

Answer 14

A viscid slippery secretion that is usually rich in mucins and is produced by mucous membranes which it moistens and protects

Question 15

Palpitation

Answer 15

An abnormally rapid or irregular beating of the heart

Question 16

Supination

Answer 16

Rotation of the forearm and hand so that the palm faces forward or upward and the radius lies parallel to the ulna

Question 17

Suppuration

Answer 17

The formation of, conversion into, or process of discharging pus

Question 18

Trauma

Answer 18

An injury (as a wound) to living tissue caused by an extrinsic agent

Question 19

Triage

Answer 19

The sorting of and allocation of treatment to patients and especially battle and disaster victims according to a system of priorities designed to maximize the number of survivors

Question 20

Viral

Answer 20

Of, relating to, or caused by a virus

Question 21

Virile

Answer 21

Having the nature, properties, or qualities of an adult male