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Medical Terminology > Definitions L > Flashcards

Definitions L Flashcards

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USMLE® Step 1 flashcards
1
Q

labyrinthectomy

A

The surgical removal of all or a portion of the labyrinth. This procedure is performed to relieve uncontrolled vertigo; however, it causes complete hearing loss in the affected ear.

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2
Q

labyrinthitis

A

An inflammation of the labyrinth that can result in vertigo and deafness.

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3
Q

laceration

A

A torn or jagged wound, or an accidental cut wound.

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4
Q

laminectomy

A

The surgical removal of a lamina or posterior portion of a vertebra.

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5
Q

laparoscopic adrenalectomy

A

A minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove one or both adrenal glands.

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6
Q

laparoscopy

A

The visual examination of the interior of the abdomen with the use of a laparoscope that is passed through a small incision in the abdominal wall.

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7
Q

laryngectomy

A

The surgical removal of the larynx.

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8
Q

laryngitis

A

An inflammation of the larynx. This term is also commonly used to describe voice loss that is caused by this inflammation.

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9
Q

laryngoscopy

A

The visual examination of the larynx and vocal cords using a flexible or rigid laryngoscope inserted through the mouth. Indirect laryngoscopy is a simpler version of this test in which the larynx is viewed by shining a light on an angled mirror held at the back of the soft palate.

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10
Q

laryngospasm

A

The sudden spasmodic closure of the larynx. It is sometimes associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

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11
Q

laryngotomy

A

A surgical incision into the larynx, performed when the upper part of the airway is obstructed.

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12
Q

laser

A

The term laser is an acronym in which the letters stand for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers are used to treat skin conditions and other disorders of the body. A laser tube can be filled with a solid, liquid, or gas substance that is stimulated to emit light at a specific wavelength. Some wavelengths are capable of destroying all skin tissue; others target tissue of a particular color.

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13
Q

laser angioplasty

A

Laser angioplasty involves a laser on the end of a catheter, which uses beams of light to remove the plaque deposit. It can be used separately or in conjunction with PTCA.

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14
Q

laser iridotomy

A

A laser iridotomy uses a focused beam of light to create a hole in the iris of the eye. This procedure is performed to treat closed-angle glaucoma by creating an opening that allows the aqueous humor to flow between the anterior and posterior chambers of the anterior segment of the eye.

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15
Q

laser trabeculoplasty

A

A laser trabeculoplasty is used to treat open-angle glaucoma by creating openings in the trabecular meshwork to allow the fluid to drain properly.

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16
Q

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis)

A

LASIK is used to treat vision conditions, such as myopia, that are caused by the shape of the cornea. During this procedure, a flap is opened in the surface of the cornea and then a laser is used to change the shape of a deep corneal layer. Compare with radial keratotomy.

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17
Q

latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA)

A

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults is a condition in which type 1 diabetes develops in adults. It shares many of the characteristics of type 2 diabetes; however, autoimmune antibodies are present. Latent means present, but not visible. LADA usually occurs in adults with a normal weight and family history of type 1 diabetes. It is estimated that at least 10% of adults with diabetes have LADA. It is treated with diet, exercise, oral medications, and insulin. Also known as Type 1.5 diabetes.

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18
Q

laxatives

A

Medications or foods given to stimulate bowel movements. Bulk-forming laxatives, such as bran, treat constipation by helping fecal matter retain water and remain soft as it moves through the intestines.

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19
Q

learning disabilities

A

Disorders found in children of normal intelligence who have difficulties in learning specific skills such as processing language or grasping mathematical concepts.

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20
Q

lensectomy

A

The general term used to describe the surgical removal of a cataract clouded lens.

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21
Q

lesion

A

A pathologic change of the tissues due to disease or injury. Skin lesions are described by their appearance, location, color, and size as measured in centimeters (cm).

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22
Q

lethargy

A

A lowered level of consciousness marked by listlessness, drowsiness, and apathy. As used here, apathy means indifference and a reduced level of activity. The term lethargic refers to a person who is at this level of consciousness.

23
Q

leukemia

A

A type of cancer characterized by a progressive increase in the number of abnormal leukocytes (white blood cells) found in blood forming tissues, other organs, and in the circulating blood.

24
Q

leukopenia

A

A decrease in the number of disease-fighting white blood cells circulating in the blood. This condition, which is also known as a low white blood cell count, places the patient at an increased of risk of developing or having difficulty fighting infections.

25
Q

leukoplakia

A

An abnormal white precancerous lesion (sore) that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek. These lesions develop in response to chronic irritation in the mouth such as constant rubbing against a broken tooth. Occasionally, leukoplakia patches occur on the genitals, in the digestive system, or in the urinary tract.

26
Q

leukorrhea

A

A profuse, whitish mucus discharge from the uterus and vagina. Women normally may have some vaginal discharge; however, leukorrhea describes a change and increase in this discharge that can be due to an infection, malignancy, or hormonal changes.

27
Q

levels of consciousness (LOC)

A

Levels of consciousness describe the measurement of response to arousal and stimulus.

28
Q

light therapy

A

Exposure to daylight or to specific wavelengths of light in order to counteract seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

29
Q

lipectomy

A

The surgical removal of fat from beneath the skin to improve physical appearance.

30
Q

lipedema

A

A chronic abnormal condition that is characterized by the accumulation of fat and fluid in the tissues just under the skin of the hips and legs. This condition usually affects women and even with weight loss, this localized excess fat does not go away. Also known as painful fat syndrome.

31
Q

lipid panel

A

A lipid panel measures the amounts of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides in a blood sample.

32
Q

lipoma

A

A benign, slow-growing fatty tumor located between the skin and the muscle layer. This fatty tumor is usually harmless, and treatment is rarely necessary unless the tumor is in a bothersome location, is painful, or is growing rapidly.

33
Q

liposuction

A

The surgical removal of fat beneath the skin with the aid of suction. Also known as suction-assisted lipectomy.

34
Q

Lithotomy

A

A surgical incision for the removal of a stone.

35
Q

lithotomy position

A

In the lithotomy position the patient is lying on the back, face up, with the feet and legs raised and supported in stirrups. This position is used for vaginal and rectal examinations and during childbirth.

36
Q

liver transplant

A

An option for a patient whose liver has failed for a reason other than liver cancer. Because liver tissue regenerates, a partial liver transplant, in which only part of the organ is donated, can be adequate. A partial liver can be donated by a living donor whose blood and tissue types match.

37
Q

lobar pneumonia

A

Lobar pneumonia affects larger areas of the lungs, often including one or more sections, or lobes, of a lung. Double pneumonia is lobar pneumonia involving both lungs and is usually a form of bacterial pneumonia.

38
Q

lobectomy

A

The surgical removal of a lobe of an organ, usually the lung, brain, or liver.

39
Q

localized allergic response

A

A localized allergic response includes redness, itching, and burning where the skin has come into contact with an allergen. For example, contact with poison ivy can cause a localized allergic response in the form of an itchy rash. Although the body reacts mildly the first time it is exposed to the allergen, sensitivity is established, and future contacts can cause much more severe symptoms. Also known as a cellular response.

40
Q

lordosis

A

An abnormal increase in the forward curvature of the lumbar spine (lord means bent backward, and-osismeans abnormal condition or disease). This condition is also known as swayback.

41
Q

low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)

A

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL) is referred to as bad cholesterol because excess quantities of LDL contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.

42
Q

lumbago

A

Pain of the lumbar region of the spine Also known as low back pain.

43
Q

lumbar puncture

A

The process of obtaining a sample of cerebrospinal fluid by inserting a needle into the subarachnoid space of the lumbar region to withdraw fluid. Changes in the composition of the cerebrospinal fluid can be an indication of injury, infection, or disease. Also known as a spinal tap.

44
Q

lumbar radiculopathy

A

Nerve pain in the lower back caused by muscle spasms or by nerve root irritation from the compression of vertebral disks such as a herniated disk.

45
Q

lumpectomy

A

The surgical removal of only the cancerous tissue with the surrounding margin of normal tissue. The remainder of the tissue of the affected breast is not removed.

46
Q

lung cancer

A

Lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, is a condition in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the lung. Important risk factors for lung cancer are smoking and inhaling second hand smoke.

47
Q

Lyme disease

A

Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete belonging to the genus Borrelia. Lyme disease, which can affect the joints, heart, and central nervous system, is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick. Syphilis is also caused by spirochetes.

48
Q

lymphadenitis

A

An inflammation of the lymph nodes The terms lymph nodes and lymph glands are sometimes used interchangeably. Swelling of the lymph nodes is frequently an indication of an infection. Commonly known as swollen glands.

49
Q

lymphadenopathy

A

Any disease process affecting a lymph node or nodes.

50
Q

lymphangioma

A

A benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system.

51
Q

lymphedema

A

Swelling of the tissues due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues. This is not the type of swelling that occurs due to an injury such as a sprained ankle. It is caused by damage to the lymphatic system that prevents lymph from draining properly. Because lymph is rich in protein, which is an environment that pathogens thrive in, lymphedema is often associated with infections.

52
Q

lymph node dissection

A

A surgical procedure in which all of the lymph nodes in a major group are removed to determine or slow the spread of cancer in this area. For example, an axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is sometimes performed as part of the surgical treatment of the breast.

53
Q

lymphoma

A

A general term applied to malignancies affecting lymphoid tissues. This includes lymph nodes, the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. The two most common types of lymphomas are Hodgkin?s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin?s lymphoma.

54
Q

lymphoscintigraphy

A

A diagnostic test that is performed to detect damage or malformations of the lymphatic vessels. A radioactive substance is injected into lymph ducts, and a scanner or probe is used to follow the movement of the substance on a computer screen. This technique is used to find a sentinel node.

Medical Terminology (61 decks)

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