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Medical Terminology > Definitions E > Flashcards

Definitions E Flashcards

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USMLE® Step 1 flashcards
1
Q

ear tubes

A

Tiny ventilating tubes placed through the eardrum to provide ongoing drainage for fluids and to relieve pressure that can build up after childhood ear infections. Formerly known as tympanostomy tubes.

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2
Q

ecchymosis

A

A large, irregular area of purplish discoloration due to bleeding under the skin. (Plural, ecchymoses)

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3
Q

echocardiography

A

An ultrasonic diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the structures and motion of the heart. The resulting record is an echocardiogram.

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4
Q

echoencephalography

A

The use of ultrasound imaging to create a detailed visual image of the brain for diagnostic purposes.

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5
Q

eclampsia

A

A more serious form of preeclampsia, is characterized by convulsions and sometimes coma. Treatment for this condition includes the delivery of the fetus.

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6
Q

E. coli

A

Caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli. E. coli is transmitted through contaminated food that have not been cooked properly.

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7
Q

ectopic pregnancy

A

A potentially dangerous condition in which a fertilized egg is implanted and begins to develop outside of the uterus. Also known as extrauterine pregnancy.

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8
Q

ectropion

A

The eversion of the edge of an eyelid. Eversion means turning outward. This usually affects the lower lid, thereby exposing the inner surface of the eyelid to irritation and preventing tears from draining properly.

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9
Q

eczema

A

A form of persistent or recurring dermatitis usually characterized by redness, itching, and dryness, with possible blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. This chronic condition, most often seen in infants and children, appears to be the result of a malfunction of the body?s immune system. Also known as atopic dermatitis.

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10
Q

edema

A

Excessive fluid accumulation in body tissues that can be symptomatic of nephrotic syndrome and other kidney diseases. This swelling can be in the area around the eyes, the abdomen, or the legs and feet.

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11
Q

electrocardiogram

A

A record of the electrical activity of the myocardium.

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12
Q

electrocardiography

A

The non-invasive process of recording the electrical activity of the myocardium. A non-invasive procedure does not require the insertion of an instrument or device through the skin or a body opening for diagnosis or treatment.

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13
Q

electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

A

A procedure in which small amounts of electric current are passed through the brain, deliberating triggering a brief seizure in order to reverse symptoms of certain mental illness. Also known as electroshock therapy.

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14
Q

electrodessication

A

A surgical technique in which tissue is destroyed using an electric spark. It is primarily used to eliminate small superficial growths and to seal off blood vessels.

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15
Q

electroencelography

A

The process of recording the electrical activity of the brain through the use of electrodes attached to the scalp. The resulting record is an electroencephalogram. This electrical activity may also be displayed on a monitor as brain waves.

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16
Q

electrolysis

A

Mineral substances, such as sodium and potassium, that are normally found in the blood.

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17
Q

electromyography (EMG)

A

A diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity within the muscle fibers in response to nerve stimulation. The resulting record is called an electromyogram. Electromyography is most frequently used when people have symptoms of weakness, and examination shows impaired muscle strength.

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18
Q

ELISA

A

The acronym for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A blood test used to screen for the presence of HIV antibodies.

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19
Q

embolism

A

The sudden blockage of a blood vessel by an embolus. The embolism is often named for the causative factor, such as an air embolism or a fat embolism, or its location, such as pulmonary embolism.

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20
Q

embolus

A

A foreign object, such as a blood clot, a quantity of air or gas, or a bit of tissue or tumor that is circulating in the blood. (Plural, emboli)

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21
Q

emesis

A

The reflex ejection of the stomach contents outward through the mouth. Emesis is used either as a stand-alone term or as the suffix ?emesis. Also known as vomiting.

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22
Q

emphysema

A

The progressive, long-term loss of lung function, usually due to smoking. Emphysema is characterized by (1) a decrease in the total number of alveoli, (2) the enlargement of the remaining alveoli, and (3) the progressive destruction of the walls of these remaining alveoli. As the alveoli are destroyed, breathing becomes increasingly rapid, shallow, and difficult. In an effort to compensate for the loss of capacity, the lungs chronically overinflate and the ribcage stays partially expanded all the time, resulting in a slightly rounded shape called a barrel chest.

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23
Q

empyema

A

A collection of pus in a body cavity.

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24
Q

encephalitis

A

An inflammation of the brain, can be causes by a viral infection such as rabies.

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25
Q

encephalocele

A

A congenital herniation of brain tissue through a gap in the skull. Congenital means present at birth, and herniation means protrusion of a structure from its position. Also known as a craniocele.

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26
Q

endemic

A

The ongoing presence of a disease within a population, group, or area. For example, the common cold is endemic because it is always present within the general population.

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27
Q

endocarditis

A

An inflammation of the inner lining of the heart.

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28
Q

endocervicitis

A

An inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the cervix.

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29
Q

endometrial biopsy

A

In an endometrial biopsy, a small amount of the tissue from the lining of the uterus is removed for microscopic examination. This test is most often used to determine the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding.

30
Q

endometrial cancer

A

Endometrial cancer involves a cancerous growth that begins in the lining of the uterus. One of the earliest symptoms of this cancer that frequently occurs after menopause is abnormal bleeding from the uterus.

31
Q

endometriosis

A

A condition in which patches of endometrial tissue escape the uterus and become attached to other structures in the pelvic cavity. It is a leading cause of infertility.

32
Q

endoscope

A

An instrument used for visual examination of internal structures.

33
Q

endoscopic surgery

A

A surgical procedure that is performed through very small incisions with the use of an endoscope and specialized instruments. These procedures are named for the body parts involved, for example, arthroscopic surgery.

34
Q

endoscopy

A

The visual examination of the interior of a body cavity. These procedures are usually named for the organs involved.

35
Q

endotracheal intubation (ETT)

A

The passage of a tube through the mouth into the trachea to establish or maintain an open airway, especially when a patient is on a ventilator. Intubation is the insertion of a tube, usually for the passage of air or fluids.

36
Q

endovaginal ultrasound

A

Endovaginal ultrasound is performed to determine the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding. This test is performed by placing an ultrasound transducer in the vaginal so that the sound waves can create images of the uterus and ovaries.

37
Q

end-stage renal disease (ESRD)

A

The final stage of chronic kidney disease, and this condition is fatal unless the functions of the failed kidneys are successfully replaced by dialysis, or with a successful kidney transplant.

38
Q

enema

A

The placement of a solution into the rectum and colon to empty the lower intestine through bowel activity. An enema is sometimes part of the preparation for an endoscopic examination; however, enemas are also used to treat severe constipation and as a means of injecting medication into the body.

39
Q

enteritis

A

An inflammation of the small intestine caused by eating or drinking substances contaminated with viral and bacterial pathogens.

40
Q

entropion

A

The inversion of the edge of an eyelid. Inversion means turning inward. This usually affects the lower eyelid and causes the eyelashes to rub against the cornea.

41
Q

enucleation

A

The removal of the eyeball, leaving the eye muscles intact.

42
Q

enuresis

A

The involuntary discharge of urine.

43
Q

epicondylitis

A

Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the elbow. Condyle refers to the round prominence at the end of a bone.

44
Q

epidemic

A

A sudden and widespread outbreak of a disease within a specific population group or area. For example, a sudden widespread outbreak of measles is an epidemic.

45
Q

epididymitis

A

Inflammation of the epididymis that is frequently caused by the spread of infection from the urethra or the bladder.

46
Q

epidural anesthesia

A

Regional anesthesia produced by injecting medication into the epidural space of the lumbar or sacral region of the spine. When administered during childbirth, it numbs the nerves from the uterus and birth passage without stopping labor.

47
Q

epilepsy

A

A chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent episodes of seizures of varying severity. Also known as a seizure disorder, epilepsy can usually be controlled with medication.

48
Q

episiorrhaphy

A

The surgical suturing to repair an episiotomy.

49
Q

epispadias

A

A congenital abnormality of the urethral opening. In the male with epispadias, the urethral opening is located on the upper surface of the penis. In the female with epispadias, the urethral opening is the region of the clitoris.

50
Q

epistaxis

A

Bleeding from the nose that may be caused by dry air, an injury, medication to prevent blood clotting, or high blood pressure. Also known as a nosebleed.

51
Q

erectile dysfunction (ED)

A

The inability of the male to achieve or maintain a penile erection. A penis that is not erect is referred to as being flaccid, or limp. Also known as impotence.

52
Q

ergonomics

A

The study of the human factors that affect the design and operation of tools and the work environment. This term is usually applied to the design of equipment and workspaces, with the goal of reducing injuries, strain, and stress.

53
Q

erosion

A

The wearing a way of a surface, such as the epidermis of the skin or the outer layer of a mucus membrane. This term can also describe the progressive loss of dental enamel.

54
Q

eructation

A

The act of belching or raising gas orally from the stomach.

55
Q

erythema

A

Redness of the skin due to capillary dilation. Dilation describes the expansion of the capillary.

56
Q

erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

A

A test based on the speed with which the red blood cells separate from the plasma and fall to the bottom of a specialized test tube. An elevated sed rate indicates the presence of inflammation in the body. Normal rang is ? 15-20 mm/hr (millimeters per hour) for adults under 50, and ? 20-30 mm/hr for adults over 50.

57
Q

erythroderma

A

Abnormal redness of the entire skin surface.

58
Q

esophageal varices

A

Enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus (singular, varix). Severe bleeding occurs if one of these veins ruptures.

59
Q

esophagogastroduodenoscopy

A

An endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization of the upper GI tract. This includes the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum.

60
Q

esotropia

A

Strabismus characterized by an inward deviation of one or both eyes. Also known as cross eyes.

61
Q

etiology

A

The study of the causes of diseases.

62
Q

eupnea

A

Easy or normal breathing. This is the baseline for judging some breathing disorders.

63
Q

exanthem

A

Exanthem refers to a widespread rash, usually in children. A rash is a breaking out, or eruption, that changes the color or texture of the skin.

64
Q

exophthalmos

A

An abnormal protrusion of the eyeball out of the orbit.

65
Q

exotropia

A

Strabismus characterized by the outward deviation of one eye relative to the other. Also known as walleye.

66
Q

expectoration

A

The act of coughing up and spitting out saliva, mucus, or other body fluid.

67
Q

external fixation

A

A fracture treatment procedure in which pins are placed through the soft tissues and bone so that an external appliance can be used to hold the pieces of bone firmly in place during healing. When healing is complete, the appliance is removed.

68
Q

extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)

A

The most common kidney stone treatment. High-energy ultrasonic waves traveling through water or gel are used to break up the stone into fragments, which are then excreted in the urine. Extracorporeal means situated or occurring outside the body.

69
Q

extraoral radiography

A

The film is placed and exposed outside the mouth.

70
Q

exudate

A

A fluid, such as pus, that leaks out of an infected wound.

Medical Terminology (61 decks)

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