Funeral Service Sciences: Glossary Flashcards
Localized accumulation of pus
Abscess
This term is applied to a lesser structure that resembles a similar organ in structure and function, such as the accessory pancreatic duct
- Accessory
- Auxillary
- Assisting
A substance that yields hydrogen or hydronium ions in aqueous solution
Acids
Presents itself after birth
Acquired
Hyperfunction of pituitary gland after ossification has been completed
Acromegaly
A disease with a more or less rapid onset and short duration
Acute
A wax-like material produced by saponification of body fat in a body buried in alkaline soil
- Adipocere
* Gravewax
A protein found in blood plasma
Albumin
An organic compound containing one or more hydroxyl groups
Alcohols
Hydroxyl group
(-OH)
An organic compound containing one or more -CHO groups
Aldehyde
The digestive system tube from the mouth to the anus, including the mouth or buccal cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines
Alimentary canal
Having a hypersensitivity to a substance that does not normally cause a reaction
Allergies
An acquired, abnormal immune response to a substance that does not normally cause a reaction
- Allergy
* Hypersensitivity
Substance that does not normally cause a reaction
Allergen
Congenital absence of one or more limbs
Amelia
An organic compound containing nitrogen
Amines
Any compounds formed from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by organic radicals
Amines
General formula for primary amines
R-NH2
The building blocks of proteins
Amino acid
A compound containing an amino group, a carboxyl group attached to an alpha carbon and a radical
Amino acid
Amino group
-NH2
Carboxyl group
-COOH
Any compound that can act as both an acid and a base in solution
Amphoteric
Example: amino acid
Amphoteric
Generalized massive edema in subcutaneous tissue
Anasarca
The branch of science dealing with the study of the structure of the body
Anatomy
A decrease in the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin or both
Anemia
A localized dilation of a blood vessel
Aneurysm
The study of vessels
Angiology
Mutual opposition or contrary action
Antagonism
The inhibition of one microorganism by another
Antagonism
Glycoprotein substance developed by the body in response to, and interacting specifically with, an antigen
- Antibody
* Immunoglobulin
Chemicals used to keep the blood in the liquid state
Anticoagulants
Chemical agents that retard the tendency of the blood to become more viscous by natural post mortem processes and / or prevent other adverse reactions between the blood and the other embalming chemicals
Anticoagulants
A foreign substance that stimulates the formation of antibodies that react specifically with it
Antigen
The prevention or inhibiting of the growth of causative microorganisms
Antisepsis
Before or in front of
- Anterior
* Ventral
Refers to the front side of the body
- Anterior
* Ventral
Dilution or weakening of virulence of a microorganism, reducing or abolishing pathogenicity
Attenuation
Failure of a tissue or an organ to develop normally
Aplasia
The bony structure that makes up the pectoral girdle, upper extremities, pelvic girdle, and lower extremities
Appendicular skeleton
The concentrated, preservative embalming chemical that will be diluted with water (or another appropriate vehicle such as alcohol) to form the arterial solution for injection into the arterial system during vascular embalming
- Arterial fluid
* Vascular fluid
Disease of the arteries resulting in thickening and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls
Arteriosclerosis
The place of union between two or more bones
Articulation
Joint
Articulation
Accumulation of free serous fluid in the abdominal cavity
Ascities
A form of arteriosclerosis marked by the deposition of lipids in the inner layer or arterial walls
Atherosclerosis
The smallest particle of an element that has all the properties of the element
Atom
A wasting, decrease in size of an organ or tissue
Atrophy
Self-digestion or self-destruction of the body by autolytic enzymes
Autolysis
A postmortem examination of the organs and tissues of a body to determine cause of death or pathological condition
Autopsy
Those chemicals specifically designed for use in the preparation of bodies following an autopsy
Autopsy chemicals
Self-nourishing bacteria
Autotrophic bacteria
Bones in the axial skeleton
80
Includes the skull, vertebrae, thorax and hyoid bone
Axial skeleton
Rod-shaped bacteria
- Bacillus
* Bacilli
The presence of bacteria in the blood
Bacteremia
A prokaryotic one-celled microorganism of the Kingdom Monera, existing as free-living organisms or as parasites, multiplying by binary fission and having a large range of biochemical properties
Bacteria
A visible group of bacteria growing on a solid medium, presumably arising from a single microorganism
Bacterial colony
An agent that destroys bacteria but not necessarily their spores
Bactericide
Science that studies bacteria
Bacteriology
A substance that yields hydroxide ions in aqueous solution
Bases
Refers to the symmetry of paired organs, or to an organism whose right and left halves are similar images of each other, or in which a median section divides the organism into equivalent right and left halves
Bilateral symmetry
Pertaining to bile
Biliary
The organs and ducts that participate in the secretion, storage, and delivery of bile to the duodenum
Biliary tract
A method of asexual reproduction involving halving of the nucleus and cytoplasm of the cell followed by the development of each half into a new individual
Binary fission
That branch of chemistry dealing with compounds produced by living organisms
Biochemistry
An arthropod vector in which the disease causing organism multiplies or develops within the arthropod prior to becoming infective for a susceptible individual
Biological vector
A membranous sac or receptacle for a secretion or excretion
Bladder
The rapid passage of liquid particles to the vapor state by forming bubbles through the action of heat
Boiling
The term for the point of equilibrium between the liquid and gas states of matter and typically employed when the temperature is increasing
Boiling
Relating to the cheek or mouth
Buccal
Substances that in solution are capable of neutralizing, within limits, both acids and bases and thereby maintaining the original, or constant pH, of the solution
Buffers
A general state of ill-health, associated with emaciation
Cachexia
A sheath or continuous enclosure around an organ or structure
Capsule
The membrane that surrounds some bacterial cells
Capsule
A loose gel-like structure that in pathogenic bacteria, helps to protect against phagocytosis
Capsule
A compound of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen that is an aldehyde or ketone derivative of polyhydroxyl alcohol
Carbohydrates
Examples: sugars, starches, and glycogen
Carbohydrates
Several communicating boils of the skin and subcutaneous tissues with the production and discharge of pus and dead tissue
Carbuncle
The study of the heart
Cardiology
A canal in the petrous portion of the temporal bone that transmits the internal carotid artery and the internal carotid plexus of sympathetic nerves
Carotid canal
Formation of cavities in an organ or tissue
Cavitation
Frequently seen in some forms of tuberculosis
Cavitation
Concentrated embalming chemicals which are injected into the cavities of the body following aspiration in cavity embalming
Cavity fluid
Can be used for surface and hypodermic embalming of the problem areas
Cavity fluid
Situated at or pertaining to a center point
Central
A large group of nonmotile, gram negative intracellular parasites
Chlamydia
A change in which a new substance or substances are produced that have entirely different properties from the original substance because the chemical composition has changed
Chemical changes
Characteristics that can be observed when a substance is interacting with other substances resulting in a change of chemical composition
Chemical properties
The branch of natural science that is concerned with the description and classification of matter, with the changes that matter undergoes, and with the energy associated with each of these changes
Chemistry
Funnel shaped openings, especially of the posterior nares
Choanae
One of the communication passageways between the nasal fossae and the pharynx
Choanae
A disease with a more or less slow onset and long duration
Chronic
Congenitally malformed palate with a fissure along the midline
Cleft palate
Study of disease by means of body secretions, excretions, and other body fluids performed in the laboratory in the diagnosis of a disease
Clinical pathology
The process of converting soluble protein to insoluble protein by heating or by contact with a chemical such as an alcohol or an aldehyde
Coagulation
The type of bacteria that is spherical or ovoid in form
- Coccus
* Cocci
A solution-like system in which the size of the solute particle is between 1 and 100 nanometers
Colloid
Particles of solute pass through filters but not membranes
Colloid
The part of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum
Colon
The rapid oxidation or burning that produces heat and light
Combustion
The symbiotic relationship of two organisms of different species in which one gains some benefit such as protection or nourishment and the other is not harmed or benefited
Commensalism
A disease that may be transmitted directly or indirectly from one individual to another
Communicable
An unfavorable condition arising during the course of disease
Complication
A substance consisting of two or more atoms combined chemically in definite proportions by mass
Compounds
A solution containing a relatively large amount of solute
Concentrated solution
The ratio of mass or volume of a solute to the mass or volume of the solution or solvent
Concentrations
One of the three nasal conchae
Concha
A scroll-like bone
Concha
The immediate and temporary disturbance of brain function
Concussion
A change of state of matter from a gas to a liquid
Condensation
A curved protuberance at the end of a bone forming an articulation
Condyle
Existing at the time of birth or shortly thereafter
Congenital
Accumulation of an excess of blood or tissue fluid in a body part
Congestion
The act of introducing disease germs or infectious material into an area or substance
Contamination
A bruise often accompanied with swelling
Contusion
The outer layer of an organ as distinguished from the inner medulla, as in the adrenal gland or kidney
Cortex
A congenital condition due to hypothyroidism resulting in mental retardation
Cretinism
Condition in which the descent of a testis into the scrotum si arrested at some point in the normal path
- Cryptorchism
* Cryptorchildism
The process by which a substance is given definite form
Crystallization
A normal or abnormal bending away
Curvature
A curve
Curvature
Bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membrane due to lack of oxygen
Cyanosis
A sac within or on the body surface containing air or fluid
Cyst
Of or pertaining to a sac-like structure
Cystic
Pertaining to the gallbladder
Cystic
Pertaining to the urinary bladder
Cystic
The gradual decomposition of dead organic matter by the enzymes of aerobic bacteria
Decay
Below the surface
Deep
Disease due to lack of dietary or metabolic substance
Deficiency
The deterioration of tissues with corresponding functional impairment as a result of disease or injury
Degeneration
Loss of moisture from body tissue which may occur antemortem or postmortem
Dehydration
The removal of water from a substance
- Dehydration
* Desiccation
Generally used to indicate the natural loss of water
Dehydration
Used when a substance is intentionally caused to lose water
Desiccation
The disruption and breakdown of the secondary structure of a protein by heat or chemicals
Denaturation
Chemicals having the capability of displacing an unpleasant odor or of altering an unpleasant odor so that it is converted to a more pleasant one
Deodorants
Reduction of the toxic properties of a poisonous substance
Detoxification
The term denoting the naming of the disease or syndrome
Diagnosis
To recognize the nature of a disease
Diagnosis
An organic compound containing two aldehyde radicals
Dialdehyde
Aldehyde
-CHO
The movement of molecules or other particles in solution from an area of greater concentration to an area of lesser concentration until uniform concentration is reached
Diffusion
The condition of the heart being enlarged, occurring normally, artificially, or as a result of disease
- Dilatation
* Dilation
A solution containing relatively small amount of solute
Dilute solution
A double bacillus, two being linked end to end
Diplobacilli
A diplobacilli causing conjunctivitis
Morax-Aexenfeld
A genus of bacteria that occur in pairs
Diplococcus
Farthest from the center, from a medial line, or from the trunk
Distal
Opposite of proximal
Distal
A chemical or physical agent that kills disease-causing microorganisms
Disinfectant
The destruction of disease-causing microorganisms by chemical or physical means
Disinfection
Toward the back
- Dorsal
* Posterior
Opposite of anterior
- Dorsal
* Posterior
Resistant, as in bacteria, to the action of a drug or drugs
Drug-fast
Condition that results when the body part that dies had little blood and remains aseptic and occurs when the arteries but not the veins are obstructed
Dry gangrene
Example: ischemic necrosis
Dry gangrene
A natural or synthetic compound that is used to impart color to another material
Dyes
Abnormal development of tissue
Dysplasia
Small, non-elevated hemorrhagic patch
Ecchymosis
Extravasation of blood into a tissue
Ecchymosis
The implantation of the fertilized ovum in a site other than the normal one in the uterine cavity
Ectopic pregnancy
Abnormal accumulation of fluids in tissue or body cavities
- Edema
* Dropsy
A simple substance which cannot be decomposed by ordinary chemical means
Elements
Excessive wasting away of the body
Emaciation
The study of those types of matter and changes in matter related to the disinfection and preservation of human remains
Embalming chemistry
The fluids specifically designed for preservation and disinfection purposes
Embalming fluids
Free floating object in the blood stream
Embolism
A prominence or projection, especially of a bone
Eminence
Pus in the pleural cavity
Empyema
Disease that occurs continuously in a particular region, but has low mortality
Endemic
A disease that is continuously present in a community
Endemic
Pertaining to a ductless gland that secretes directly into the bloodstream
Endocrine
Produced or arising from within a cell or organism
Endogenous infection
A thick-walled spore within a bacterium
Endospores
Bacterial toxin confined within the cell wall of a bacterium freed only when the bacterium is broken down, found only in gram negative bacteria
Endotoxin
A protein that acts as a biological catalyst
Enzyme
Appearance of an infectious disease or condition that attacks many people at the same time in the same geographical area
Epidemic
A disease that is currently in higher than normal numbers
Epidemic
A chronic neurogenic disease marked by sudden alterations in consciousness and frequently by convulsions
Epilepsy
Bleeding from the nose
Epistaxis
A compound with the general formula RCOOR’
Ester
R in RCOOR’
Hydrocarbon group or a hydrogen
R’ in RCOOR’
hydrocarbon group
Formed from an alcohol and organic (or carboxylic) acid by removal of water (dehydration)
Ester
The study of the cause of disease
Etiology
Increase in severity of a disease
Exacerbation
Pertaining to a gland that delivers its secretion through a duct
Exocrine
Originating outside an organ or part
Exogenous infections
A toxin produced by a microorganism and excreted into its surrounding medium
Exotoxin
Loss of blood to the point where life can no longer be sustained
Exsanguination
Exterior
External
The opposite of internal
External
The lateral, outer opening of the external auditory canal
External auditory meatus
Fluid or cellular debris exuding from blood vessels and deposited in tissues or tissue surfaces
Exudate
Usually a result of inflammation
Exudate
A microorganism that prefers an environment devoid of oxygen but has adapted so that it can live and grow in the presence of oxygen
Facultative aerobe
An organism that prefers an oxygen environment but is capable of living and growing in its absence
Facultative anaerobe
Prefers live organic matter as a source of nutrition but can adapt to the use of dead organic matter under certain conditions
Facultative saprophyte
A common name for a triacylglycerol that is a semisolid or solid at room temperature and contains a high percentage of saturated fatty acids
Fats
Pertaining to or characterized by fever
Febrile
The microbial (enzymatic) decomposition of carbohydrates under anaerobic conditions
Fermentation
One in which the organisms are originally confined to one area but enter the blood or lymph vessel and spread to other parts of the body
Focal infection
Any inanimate object to which infectious material adheres and can be transmitted
Fomite
A temporarily unossified area on the surface of the cranium of an infant
Fontanel
Formaldehyde gas dissolved in water at 37% by weight and 40% by volume
Formalin
That amount of formaldehyde necessary to overcome any nitrogen residue and cause the body proteins to become coagulated
- Formaldehyde demand
* Glutaraldehyde demand
A shallow depression
Fossa
A change of state of matter from a liquid to a solid by the loss of heat
Freezing
The term for the point of equilibrium between the solid and liquid states and typically employed when the temperature is decreasing
Freezing
Having rapid and severe onset, usually fatal
Fulminating
A condition or disease in which there is no recognizable change in anatomy
Functional
A substance that kills fungi
Fungicide
A group of diverse and widespread unicellular and multicellular organisms, lacking chlorophyll, usually bearing spores and often filamentous
- Fungus
* Fungi
An abscess or pyogenic infection of a sweat gland or hair follicle
Furuncle
A state of matter in which the atoms or molecules move about in almost complete freedom from one another
Gases
Have no definite shape or volume and assume the shape and volume of their container by diffusing uniformly throughout the container
Gases
An infection that becomes systemic
General infection
Deals with the study of the widespread processes of disease, without reference to particular organs or organ systems
General pathology
Examples: inflammation, degeneration, necrosis or cellular death, repair, etc
General pathology
A substance that destroys microorganisms
Germicide
A secretory organ or structure
Gland
A cell or group of cells that can manufacture a secretion
Gland
Enlargement of the thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency
Goiter
Study of changes in structure of the body that are readily seen with the unaided eye as a result of disease
Gross pathology
The condition of water that results from dissolved minerals and metallic ions such as calcium and magnesium
Hardness of water
Vomiting of blood
Hematemesis
Tumor like swelling of blood
Hematoma
Discharge of red blood cells in the urine
Hematuria
An inherited hemorrhagic disease characterized by a tendency to excessive and sometime spontaneous bleeding
Hemophilia
Blood in sputum
Hemoptysis
Escape of blood from blood vascular system
Hemorrhage
Genetic characteristics transmitted from parent to offspring
Hereditary
Abnormal protrusion of part of an organ through an abnormal opening in the wall that normally contains it
Hernia
A gland that has both endocrine and exocrine functions
Heterocrine
Example: pancreas
Heterocrine
Organisms that must obtain their nourishment from complex organic matter
Heterotrophic bacteria
Chemicals that increase the capability of embalmed tissues to retain moisture
Humectants
A compound in which there is a chemical union between water and certain substances when they crystallize
Hydrates
Abnormal collection of fluid in any sacculated cavity in the body
Hydrocele
Excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain
Hydrocephalus
A chemical reaction in which a substance is broken down or dissociated by water
Hydrolysis
A reaction between a salt and water to yield an acid and a base of unequal strengths
Hydrolysis
Distention of the pelvis and calyces of one or both kidneys with urine as a result of obstruction
Hydronephrosis
Abnormal accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac
Hydropericardium
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the thoracic cavity
Hydrothorax
Excess of blood in an area of the body
Hyperemia
The increase size of an organ or part due to the excessive but regulated increase in the number of its cells
Hyperplasia
A solution having a greater concentration of dissolved solute than the solution to which it is compared
Hypertonic solution
The enlargement of an organ or part due to the increase in size of cells composing it
Hypertrophy
Chlorine containing compounds
- Hypochlorites
* Bleaches
Underdevelopment of a tissue, organ or the body
Hypoplasia
A solution having a lesser concentration of dissolved solute than the solution to which it is compared
Hypotonic solution
Results from the adverse activity of medical personnel
Iatrogenic
Of uknown cause
Idiopathic
Example: essential hypertension
Idiopathic
The swelling and softening of tissues and organs as a result of absorbing moisture from adjacent sources
Imbibition
The strength of embalming fluids indicated by the number of grams of pure formaldehyde gas dissolved in 100 ml of solution
Index
Usually refers to a percentage
Index
Percent of formaldehyde gas in an embalming fluid with an index of 25
25%
Synonymous with “normal flora”
Indigenous flora
Indicates the microbial population that lives with the host in a healthy condition
Indigenous flora
The formation of an area of necrosis in a tissue caused by obstruction in the artery supplying the area
Infarction
The state or condition in which the body or a part of it is invaded by a pathogenic agent that, under favorable conditions, multiplies and produces injurious effects
Infection
The entry, establishment and multiplication of pathogenic organisms within a host
Infection
Beneath
Inferior
Lower
Inferior
Used medically in reference to the undersurface of an organ or indicating a structure below another structure
Inferior
The process of seepage or diffusion into tissue of substances that are not ordinarily present
Infiltration
A tissue reaction to irritation, infection, or injury marked by localized heat, swelling, redness, pain and sometimes loss of function
Inflammation
That branch of chemistry that studies the properties and reactions of elements, excluding organic or certain carbon-containing compounds
Inorganic chemistry
A substance that kills insects
Insecticide
Relating to the integument
Integumentary
A covering
Integumentary
Example: skin
Integumentary
Within the body
Internal
Within or on the inside
Internal
The opposite of external
Internal
State of being intoxicated
Intoxication
Being poisoned by a drug or toxic substance
Intoxication
Extravasation of blood within the skull
Intracranial hemorrhage
A compound consisting of iodine combined with a carrier, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone
Iodophores
Often used as a preoperative skin disinfectant
Iodophores
An atomic or molecular species with a positive or negative electrical charge
Ion
An atom of an element or a group of atoms acting as one unit that has lost or gained an electron or electrons and exhibits a charge
Ion
A positive ion
Cation
A negative ion
Anion
Reduction in arterial blood supply
Ischemia
A tiny isolated mass of one kind of tissue within another type
Islet
Clusters of cells in the pancreas which produce insulin
Islets of Langerhans
A solution having an equal concentration of dissolved solute as the solution to which it is compared
Isotonic solution
Conditions characterized by excessive concentration of bilirubin in the skin and tissues and deposition of excessive bile pigment in the skin, cornea, body fluids, and mucous membranes with the resulting yellow appearance of the patient
Jaundice
The point of juncture between two bones
Joint
An articulation
Joint
Any class of organic compounds containing the carbonyl group whose carbon atom is joined to two other carbon atoms
Ketones
Carbonyl group
C=O
The carbonyl group occurs within the carbon chain
Ketones
A chemical group composed of one carbon atom double bonded to oxygen
Carbonyl group
A substance that kills insect larva
Larvacide
Pertaining to the side of the body
Lateral
Away from the median plane
Lateral
Specific pathologic structural and functional changes or both brought about by disease
Lesion
The amount of poison (or radiation) that will kill 50% of the group to which it has been administered
Lethal dose 50% (LD50)
Disease characterized by the appearance of great numbers of immature and abnormal white blood cells
Leukemia
Increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood
Leucocytosis
Abnormal reduction in the number of white blood cells in the blood
Leucopenia
A substance that flows readily but does not tend to expand indefinitely
Liquids
Well-defined parts of an organ separated by boundaries
Lobes
Infection caused by germs lodging and multiplying at one point in a tissue and remaining there
Local infection
Malignancy of lymphoid tissue
Lymphoma
A defect or deformity
- Malformation
* Anomaly
The depression in the temporal bone into which the condyle of the mandible fits
Mandibular fossa
A boundary such as the edge of a structure
Margin
Anything that has mass and occupies space
Matter
Temperature above which bacterial growth will not take place
Maximum temperature
A passage or opening
Meatus
A living organism capable of transmitting infections by carrying the disease agent on its external body parts or surfaces
Mechanical vector
Pertaining to the middle
Medial
Toward the median plane of the body
Medial
Study of disease to ascertain cause and manner of death
- Medicolegal pathology
* Forensic pathology
The inner or central portion of an organ in contrast to the outer portion or cortex
Medulla
Blood in stool
Melena
The change in state from a solid to a liquid
Melting
Bacteria that prefer moderate temperature and develop best at temperatures between 25 and 40 degrees Celsius
Mesophile
An element marked by luster, malleability, ductility, and conductivity of electricity and heat
Metal
Tend to form positive ions
Metallic elements
Replacement of one type of tissue into a form that is not normally found there
Metaplasia
Transfer of a disease from its primary site to a distant location
Metastasis
A microorganism that requires very little free oxygen
Microaerophilic
Scientific study of microorganisms and their effect on other loving organisms
Microbiology
Study of microscopic changes that cells, tissues and organs undergo as a result of disease
- Microscopic pathology
* Histopathology
Infection caused by two or more organisms
Mixed infection
A combination of two or more substances not chemically united and not in definite proportion by mass
Mixtures
The smallest dose of a poison (or radiation) on record that produces death
Minimum lethal dose (MLD)
Temperature below which bacterial growth will not take place
Minimum temperature
Chemicals for which there may be greatly varying demands predicated upon the type of embalming, the environment and the arterial fluid to be used
Modifying agents
Necrotic tissue that is wet as a result of inadequate venous drainage
- Moist gangrene
* Wet gangrene
May be accompanied by the invasion of saprophytic bacteria
- Moist gangrene
* Wet gangrene
The smallest unit of a compound which can exist alone
Molecule
An aggregation of atoms, specifically a chemical of two or more atoms which for a specific chemical substance
Molecule
Relative incidence of a disease in the population or number of cases in a given time at a given population
Morbidity rate
Number of deaths in a given time or place or proportion of deaths to a population
Mortality rate
A relationship in which organisms of two different species live in close association to the mutual benefit of each
Mutualism
The branch of science concerned with the study of fungi
Mycology
Bacteria of the Mycoplasma genus that are found in humans and have no cell wall
Mycoplasmas
The smallest free-living organisms presently known being intermediate in size between viruses and bacteria
Mycoplasmas
The study of muscles
Myology
The nostrils
Nares
The partition that divides the nasal cavity into two sections
Nasal septum
Pathological death of a tissue still a part of the living organism
Necrosis
The abnormal, excessive and uncontrolled multiplication of cells with the formation of a mass or new growth of tissue
- Neoplasm
* Tumor
The study of the nervous system
Neurology
The reaction of an acid and a base to produce salt and water
Neutralization
Any element that is not a metal
Nonmetal
Tend to form negative ions
Nonmetal
Organisms that are free living and relationships are not required for survival
Non-symbiotic
Infection acquired in a hospital
Nosocomial
A disease with an abnormally high rate of occurrence in members of the workforce
Occupational disease
A common name for a triacylglycerol that is a liquid at room temperature and contains a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids
Oils
An organism that exists as part of the normal flora but may become pathogenic under certain conditions
Opportunist
Temperature at which organisms grow best
Optimum temprature
Pertaining to the mouth
Oral
A condition or disease in which there is a change in anatomy
Organic
That branch of chemistry that deals with certain carbon-containing compounds
Organic chemistry
The mouth, entrance, or outlet of any anatomical structure
Orifice
An opening
Orifice
The passage of pure solvent from a solution of lesser solute concentration to one of greater solute concentration when the two solutions are separated by a semi-permeable membrane which selectively prevents the passage of solute molecules but it is permeable to the solvent
Osmosis
Pressure that develops when two solutions of different concentrations are separated by a semipermeable membrane
Osmotic pressure
Any small bone, especially one of the three bones of the middle ear
Ossicles
A disease marked by softening of the bones due to faulty calcification in adulthood
Osteomalacia
Inflammation of bone and bone marrow
Osteomyelitis
Loss of bone density
Osteoporosis
A compound consisting of oxygen combined with only one other element
Oxides
A disease affecting the majority of the population of a large region or one that is epidemic at the same time in many different parts of the world
Pandemic
Epidemic, widespread, even of worldwide event
Pandemic disease
An interactive relationship between two organisms in which one is harmed and the other benefits
Parasitism
Pertaining to, or forming, the wall of a cavity
Parietal
Pertaining to the parietal bone
Parietal
A method of expressing low concentrations
Parts per million (ppm)
Equivalent to 1 milligram per liter
1 parts per million (ppm)
The state of producing or being able to produce pathological changes and disease
Pathogenicity
Study of structural changes in the body caused by disease
Pathological anatomy
The science that deals with the study of disease
Pathology
The manner in which a disease develops
Pathogenesis
Pertaining to the front of the chest
Pectoral
A bond formed from a dehydration reaction between the amino group on one amino acid with the carboxyl (organic acid) group on the other amino acid
Peptide bond
The tabular arrangement of the elements in order of increasing atomic number
Periodic table
This arrangement allows the columns of elements to represent the periodic recurrence of similar properties
Periodic table
Located at, or pertaining to, the outer surface of the body or body part
Peripheral
The outer surface of the body or body part
Periphery
Occurring away from the center
Peripheral
At right angles to another surface
Perpendicular
Antemortem, pinpoint, extravascular blood discoloration visible as purplish hemorrhages of the skin
Petechia
Power / potential of hydrogen
pH
A number signifying the acidity or alkalinity of a chemical solution
pH
The measure of hydrogen ion concentrations of a solution
pH
Congenital condition in which the proximal portions of the limbs are poorly developed or absent
Phocomelia
A change in the form or state of matter without any change in chemical composition
Physical changes
Properties of a substance that are observed without a change in chemical composition
Physical properties
Examples: color, odor, taste, solubility, density, hardness, melting point, and boiling point
Physical properties
Study of changes in body functions due to disease
Physiological pathology
Coloration caused by deposit, or lack, of colored material in the tissues
Pigmentation
General term used to denote any prolonged inhalation of mineral dust
Pneumoconiosis
Infection of the lungs
Pneumonia
Any substance that imperils health or life when absorbed into the body
Poison
A highly contagious infectious disease of the spinal cord caused by a filterable virus
Poliomyelitis
An increase in total red blood cell mass
Polycythemia vera
The linking together of monomers or basic chemical units to form a polymer
Polymerization
A growth or mass of tissue that protrudes from a mucous membrane
Polyp
Concerning an entrance to an organ, especially that through which the blood is carried to the liver
Portal
Toward the back
- Posterior
* Dorsal
Opposite of anterior
- Posterior
* Dorsal
Fluids designed to clear the vascular system of blood and enable the arterial solution to distribute with greater facility
- Pre-injection fluids
- Primary injection
- Capillary wash
Components o f embalming solutions used to inactivate the active chemical groups of proteins and amino acids
Preservatives
To inhibit decomposition
Preservatives
To kill microorganisms
Preservatives
Destroy odors and eliminate their further formation
Preservatives
To inactivate enzymes
Preservatives
Number of cases of disease present in a specified population at a given time
Prevalence
The “first” infection that a host has after a period of health
Primary infection
The first or initial injection, may or may not contain preservatives
- Primary injection
* Pre-injection
Small proteinaceous infectious agents (particles) which almost certainly do not have a nucleic acid genome and therefore resist inactivation by procedures that modify nucleic acids
Prion
Often called spongiform encephalopathies because of the postmortem appearance of the brain with large vacuoles in the cortex and cerebellum
Prion
Prediction of the outcome of disease
Prognosis
Characteristics by which substances may be identified
Properties
Inflammation of the prostate gland
Prostatitis
A biological component that is a polymer of many amino acids
Protein
One celled organisms of the Kingdom Protista
Protozoa
Most are unicellular although some are colonist
Protozoa
Science that deals with the study of protozoa
Protozoology
A part that is prominent beyond a surface, like a knob
Protuberance
Nearest the point of attachment, the center of the body, or a point of reference
Proximal
The opposite of distal
Proximal
Bacteria that prefer cold, thriving at temperatures between 0 and 25 degrees Celsius
Psychrophile
Condition in which spontaneous bleeding occurs in the subcutaneous tissues, causing the appearance of purple patches on the skin
Purpura
A small elevation of the skin containing pus
Pustule
The decomposition of proteins by the action of enzymes from anaerobic bacteria
Putrefaction
The junction of the pubic bones on the midline of the body
Pubic symphysis
The smooth muscle around the opening of the stomach into the duodenum
Pyloric sphincter
Surface-active agents that are generally used for disinfection of skin, oral and nasal cavities, as well as instruments
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Reappearance of symptoms after a period of remission
Recurrent
Remission
Abatement
The replacement of damaged cells with identical cells
Regeneration
Temporary cessation of symptoms of disease
Remission
Kidney stones
Renal calculi
Physical or mechanical restoration of damaged or diseased tissue by the growth of healthy new cells, not necessarily the same type, or by surgery
Repair
Pertaining to or employed in reproduction
Reproductive
The termination of the inflammatory response with the affected part returning to its normal state
Resoltuion
Pertaining to respiration
Respiratory
Supplemental fluids that may enhance arterial fluids by the addition of special chemicals
Restorative fluids
Example: humectants
Restorative fluids
A disease of infants and young children caused by deficiency of vitamin D resulting in defective bone growth
Rickets
A genus of gram-negative, pathogenic, intracellular parasitic bacteria
Rickettsia
Area of science that studies Rickettsia
Rickettsiology
Pertaining to, producing, or formed from saliva
Salivary
A gland of the oral cavity that secretes saliva
Salivary gland
Any group of substances that result from the reaction between acids and bases other than water
Salts
The reaction between a fat and a strong base to produce glycerol and the salt of a fatty acid
Saponification
Glycerol and the salt of a fatty acid
Soap
A cube-like packet of eight spherical bacteria
Sarcinae
Latin for bundle
Sarcina
A solution containing all of the solute the solvent is able to hold at a certain temperature and pressure
Saturated solution
Infection caused by a different organism than the one causing the primary infection
Secondary infection
That injection taking place after the primary injection
Secondary injection
First injection; pre-injection
Primary injection
Condition characterized by the multiplication of bacteria in blood
Septicemia
A wall dividing two cavities
Septum
The watery portion of the blood after coagulation occurs
Serum
An oval nodule of bone
Sesamoid bone
Objective disturbances produced by disease, observed by physician, nurse or person attending patient
Signs
Examples: pulse, fever, heart rate
Signs
A compound whose hydrolytic products are fatty acids and alcohols
Simple lipids
A cavity within a bone
Sinus
A dilated channel for venous blood
Sinus
Any cavity having a relatively narrow opening
Sinus
Pertaining to the skeleton
Skeletal
The condensed state of matter having a definite shape and volume
Solids
The conversion of a liquid or a gas into a solid form
Solidification
The measure of how well two substances mix
Solubility
A substance dissolved in a solvent to form a solution
Solute
The component of a solution present in a lesser amount
Solute
A homogeneous mixture of one or more substances dissolved in a sufficient quantity of solvent
Solution
The process of dissolving
Solvation
A substance that does the dissolving in a solution
Solvent
The component of a solution present in a greater amount
Solvent
Deals with the specific features of disease in relation to particular organs or organ systems
Special pathology
A circular muscle constricting an orifice
Sphincter
Congenital defect in which part of the vertebral column is absent or incomplete closure
Spina bifida
A genus of spiral bacteria having a corkscrew shape with a rigid cell wall and hair-like projections called flagella that assist in movement
- Spirillum
* Spirilla
A genus of bacteria having a flexible cell wall but no flagella in the traditional sense
Spirochete
Movement in these organisms occurs by contractions (undulating) of long filaments that run the length of the cell
Spirochete
Long filaments
Endoflagella
A disease that occurs occasionally in a random or isolated manner
Sporadic
A disease which occurs occasionally or in scattered instances
Sporadic
A genus of gram-positive, nonmotile, opportunistic bacteria which tend to aggregate in irregular, grape-like clusters
Staphylococcus
A physical property of matter
State of matter
Physical properties of matter
- Solid
- Liquid
- Gas
Condition of phase in the physical composition of a substance at a given temperature and pressure
State of matter
Abnormal constriction of a channel or orifice
Stenosis
A process of completely removing or destroying all life forms and / or their products on or in a substance
Sterilization
Rod-shaped bacteria occurring in chains
Streptobacilli
Spherical shaped bacteria occurring in chains
Streptococci
A microbe that can only live in the presence of free oxygen
- Strict aerobe
* Obligate aerobe
A microbe that can only survive in the absence of free oxygen
- Strict anaerobe
* Obligate anaerobe
An organism that is completely dependent on its living host for survival
- Strict parasite
* Obligate parasite
An organism that can only survive on dead or decaying organic matter
- Strict saprophyte
* Obligate saprophyte
A physical change of state during which a substance changes directly from a solid to a gas
Sublimation
Pertaining to or situated near the surface
Superficial
Higher than
Superior
Situated above something else
Superior
Located above the kidney
Suprarenal
Fluid injected for purposes other than preservation and disinfection
- Supplemental fluids
* Accessory chemicals
Categories of supplemental fluids
- Pre-injection
- Co-injection
- Humectants / restorative fluids
Additional germicides added to embalming fluids
Supplementary germicides
Study of tissue specimens excised surgically in a major or minor operation
Surgical pathology
Relating to a suture, or the line of union in an immovable articulation, such as between the cranial bones
Sutural
The material upon which an enzyme works
Substrate
The force that acts on the surface of a liquid and tends to minimize surface area
Surface tension
Chemicals that will reduce the molecular cohesion of a liquid and thereby enable it to flow through smaller apertures
- Surfactants
- Surface tension reducers
- Wetting agents
- Penetrating agents
A mixture of a solute and a solvent in which the size of the solute particles is greater than 100 nanometers
Suspension
Particles of solute do not pass through filters or membranes
Suspension
Organisms live in close nutritional relationships
Symbiotic
Required by one or both members
Symbiotic
A line of fusion between two bones that are separate in early development
Symphysis
The harmonious action of two or more microorganisms producing an effect that neither could produce alone
Synergism
Organized groupings of related structures or organs that perform certain functions together
Systems
Subjective disturbances caused by disease that are felt or experienced by patient but not directly measurable
Symptoms
Examples: pain, headache
Symptoms
Set of signs and symptoms associated with a particular disease
Syndrome
Grouping of four spherical shaped cells
Tetracocci
The study of those physical and chemical changes in the human body that are caused by the process of death
Thanatochemistry
Bacteria that thrive best at high temperatures, between 40 and 70 degrees Celsius
Thermophile
The formation or presence of an attached blood clot
Thrombosis
The presence of toxins in the blood
Toxemia
A poisonous substance produced by higher plants, animals, or pathogenic bacteria that is poisonous to humans
Toxin
Poisonous
Toxic
A poisonous substance of plant, animal, bacterial or fungal origin
Toxin
An organism that due to its own virulence is able to produce disease
True pathogen
Implantation and development of the fertilized ovum in a uterine (fallopian) tube
Tubal pregnancy
A covering or layer
Tunic
An open sore or lesion of skin or mucous membrane accompanied by sloughing of inflamed necrotic tissue
Ulcer
A solution containing less of the solute than can be held in solution by the solvent
Unsaturated solution
A toxic condition caused by retention in the blood of waste products normally excreted in the urine
Uremia
Pertaining to the secretion or containment of urine
Urinary
Composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra
Urinary system
The neutralization product of formaldehyde by ammonia
- Urotropin
* Methenamine
Ammonia
C6H12N4
Any one of various membranous structures in a hollow organ or passage that temporarily closes to permit the flow of fluid in one direction only
Valve
Failure of a heart valve to close tightly, thus allowing regurgitation of blood
- Valvular insufficiency
* Valvular incompetence
The physical change from a liquid to a gas
Vaporization
Pertaining to or composed of vessels
Vascular
The blood vessels, including arteries, capillaries, and veins
Vascular system
Located toward the front of the body
- Ventral
* Anterior
Liquids that serve as solvents for the numerous ingredients incorporated in embalming solutions
Vehicles
Examples: water, alcohol
Vehicles
A narrow, worm-shaped tube connected to the cecum
Vermiform appendix
Blister-like elevation of skin containing serous fluid
Vesicle
To move rapidly
Vibrio
Vibrate
Vibrio
A genus of spiral bacteria which are curved or bent rods that resemble commas
Vibrio
An agent destructive to viruses
- Virucide
* Viricide
The study of viruses and viral diseases
Virology
Relative power of an organism to produce disease
Virulence
One of a group of minute infectious agents, with certain exceptions not resolved in the light microscope, and characterized by a lack of independent metabolism and by the ability to replicate only within living host cells
Virus
Infectious agent not resolved in the light microscope
Poxviruses
Able to reproduce with genetic continuity and the possibility of mutation
Virus
Range from 200-300 nm to 15 nm in size and are morphologically heterogenous, occurring as rod-shaped, spherical, or polyhedral, and tadpole-shaped forms
Virus
Masses of the spherical or polyhedral forms may be made up of orderly arrays, to give a crystalline structure
Virus
The individual particle consists of nucleic acid, DNA or RNA (but not both) and a protein shell, which contains and protects the nucleic acid and which may be multilayered
Virus
Individual particle in a virus
Virion
Nucleic acid in a virus
Nucleoid
Protein shell
Capsid
Separated into three subgroups on the basis of host specificity
Viruses
Virus subgroups
- Bacterial viruses
- Animal viruses
- Plant viruses
Classified as to their origin, mode of transmission, or the manifestations they produce
Virus
Reoviruses origin
- Respiratory
* Enteric
Abroviruses mode of transmission
Mosquitoes
Sometimes named for the geographic location in which they were first isolated
Virus
Pertaining to the internal organs contained within a cavity
Visceral
The internal organs contained within a cavity
Viscera
The state of being sticky or gummy
Viscosity
Resistance offered by a fluid to change form or relative position of its particles due to attraction of molecules to each other
Viscosity
The resistance that a liquid exhibits to the flow of one layer over another arising from the molecular attraction between the molecules of a liquid
Viscosity
A type of lipid formed from the combination of unsaturated and / or saturated fatty acids and high molecular weight alcohols
Wax
Pertaining to the cheek bone
Zygomatic
Cheek bone
Zygoma
