HIM 111 Terms A-L Flashcards
abdominocentesis
(ab-DAW-min-oh-sin-TEE-sis) puncture of the abdomen (usually for the purpose of withdrawing fluid)
abortifacient
(ah-BOR-tih-FAY-shunt)
drug or device that causes the termination of a pregnancy
abortion
(ah-BOR-shun) termination of pregnancy
abrasion
(ah-BRAY-zhun) a scraping away of skin
abruptio placentae
(ah-BRUP-shee-oh plah-SIN-tee) separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus
abscess
(AB-ses)
a localized collection of pus in the body
acne vulgaris
(AK-nee vul-GAR-is) common acne; an inflammation of the skin follicles
acoustic neuroma
(ah-KOO-stik nir-OH-mah)
a tumor on the acoustic nerve
acromegaly
(AK-roh-MEH-gah-lee) abnormal enlargement of the extremities
acrophobia
(AK-roh-FOH-bee-ah) fear of heights
adenectomy
(AD-en-EK-toh-mee) removal of a gland
adenitis
(AD-en-AI-tis) inflammation of a gland
adenoma
(AD-eh-NOH-mah) glandular tumor
adipocele
(a-dih-poh-SEEL) hernia filled with fatty tissue
adrenal virilism
(a-DREE-nal VIR-il-izm) development of male secondary sexual characteristics caused by excessive secretion of the adrenal gland
adrenalectomy
(a-DREE-nal-EK-toh-mee)
removal of the adrenal gland
adrenaline
(a-DREN-ah-lin)
hormone secreted by the adrenal gland (from Latin; see also epinephrine)
adrenalitis
(a-DREE-nah-LAI-tis) inflammation of the adrenal gland
aerotitis
(AIR-oh-TAI-tis) inflammation of the ear caused by air
afferent nerve
(A-fir-ent nirv)
a nerve that carries impulses toward the central nervous system
agoraphobia
(ah-GOR-ah-FOH-bee-ah) fear of outdoor spaces
albinism
(AL-bin-ism)
lack of pigment in skin causing the patient to look white
albino
(al-BAY-noh)
a person afflicted with albinism
albuminuria
(al-byoo-mih-NUR-ee-ah)
protein in the urine
allograft
(A-loh-GRAFT)
see homograft
alopecia
(a-loh-PEE-sha) baldness
amblyopia
(AM-blih-OH-pee-ah)
decreased vision (when it occurs in one eye, it is referred to as lazy eye)
amenorrhea
(AY-men-oh-REE-ah)
no menstruation
amniocentesis
(AM-nee-oh-sin-TEE-sis)
surgical puncture of the amnion
amniorrhea
(AM-nee-oh-REE-ah) discharge of amniotic fluid
amniorrhexis
(AM-nee-oh-REK-sis) rupture of the amniotic sac
amniotomy
(AM-nee-AW-toh-mee) incision into the amnion
analgesic
(an-al-JEE-zik)
a drug that relieves pain
anastomosis
(ah-NAS-toh-moh-sis)
creation of an opening; a surgical procedure connecting two previously unconnected hollow tubes.
anemia
(ah-NEE-mee-ah)
reduction of red blood cells noticed by the patient as weakness and fatigue
anesthetic
(an-es-THET-ik)
a drug that causes loss of sensation
aneurysm
(AN-yir-IZ-um)
bulge in a blood vessel
angina pectoris
(an-JAI-nah PEK-tor-is)
oppressive pain in the chest caused by irregular blood flow to the heart
angiogram
(AN-jee-oh-GRAM) record of the blood vessels
angiography
(AN-jee-AW-grah-fee) procedure to describe the blood vessels
angioma
(AN-jee-OH-mah) blood vessel tumor
angioplasty
(AN-jee-oh-PLAS-tee) surgical reconstruction of a vessel
angiorrhaphy
(AN-jee-OR-ah-fee) suture of a vessel
anhidrosis
(an-hi-DROH-sis)
lack of sweating
anorchidism
(an-OR-kih-DIZ-um) absence of a testicle
anorexia
(a-noh-REK-see-ah)
an eating disorder characterized by the patient’s refusal to eat
antacid
(ant-AS-id)
agent that neutralizes acid
antepartum
(AN-tee-PAR-tum)
time before birth
anti-inflammatory
(AN-tee-in-FLA-mah-TOR-ee)
a drug that opposes inflammation
antianginal
(AN-tee-AN-jih-nal)
a drug that prevents or relieves the symptoms of angina pectoris
antiarrhythmic
(AN-tee-a-RITH-mik) a drug that opposes an irregular heartbeat
antiarthritic
(AN-tee-ar-THRIH-tik)
a drug that opposes joint inflammation
antibiotic
(an-tai-bai-OH-tik)
a drug that destroys or opposes the growth of microorganisms
anticoagulant
(AN-tee-coh-AG-yoo-lant)
drug that prevents the coagulation of blood
anticonvulsant
(AN-tee-kon-VUL-sant) a drug that opposes convulsions
antiemetic
(AN-tee-EE-met-ik) agent that prevents/relieves nausea or vomiting
antihistamine
(an-tee-HIS-tah-meen) a drug that opposes the effects of histamine
antihypertensive
(AN-tee-HAI-per-TEN-siv)
drug that opposes high blood pressure
antipruritic
(an-tee-pruh-RIH-tik)
a drug that prevents or relieves itching
antispasmodic
(AN-tee-spaz-MAW-dik) drug used to prevent spasms
antitussive
(an-tee-TUSS-iv)
a drug that prevents coughing
anuria
(an-YUR-ee-ah)
lack of urination
anxiolytic
(ANG-zee-oh-LIH-tik)
a drug that lessens anxiety
aortalgia
(AY-or-TAL-jah)
pain in the aorta
aortic stenosis
(ay-OR-tik stih-NOH-sis)
narrowing of the aorta
aortorrhaphy
(ay-or-TOR-ah-fee) suture of the aorta
aphagia
(ah-FAY-jah)
inability to eat
aphakia
(ah-FAY-kee-ia) absence of a lens
aphasia
(ah-FAY-zhah)
inability to speak
apheresis
(AH-fer-EE-sis)
general term for a process, similar to dialysis, that draws blood, removes something from it, then returns the rest of the blood to the patient
aplastic anemia
(AY-plas-tik ah-NEE-mee-ah) anemia caused by red blood cells not being formed in sufficient quantities
apnea
(AP-nee-yah)
cessation of breathing
arrhythmia
(ay-RITH-mee-ah) irregular heartbeat
arteriogram
(ar-TER-ee-oh-GRAM) record of an artery
arteriolith
(ar-TER-ee-oh-LITH) stone in an artery
arteriopathy
(ar-TER-ee-AW-pah-thee)
disease of the arteries
arteriorrhaphy
(ar-TER-ee-OR-ah-fee) suture of an artery
arteriorrhexis
(ar-TER-ee-oh-REK-sis) rupture of an artery
arteriosclerosis
(ar-TER-ee-oh-skleh-ROH-sis)
hardening of an artery
arteritis
(AR-ter-AI-tis) inflammation of the arteries
arthralgia
(ar-THRAL-jah)
joint pain
arthritis
(ar-THRAI-tis)
joint inflammation
arthrocentesis
(ar-throh-sin-TEE-sis) puncture of a joint
arthrodynia
(ar-throh-DAI-nee-ah) joint pain
arthrogram
(AR-throh-gram)
visual record of a joint
arthropathy
(ar-THRAW-pah-thee) joint disease
arthroplasty
(AR-throh-PLAS-tee) reconstruction of a joint
arthroscope
(AR-throh-skohp) instrument for looking into a joint
arthroscopy
(ar-THRAW-skoh-pee) procedure of looking into a joint
arthrotomy
(ar-THRAW-toh-mee) incision into a joint
ascites
(ah-SAI-teez)
retention of fluid in the peritoneum
aspermia
(ay-SPER-mee-ah) condition characterized by a lack of sperm
asthma
(AZ-ma) a disease caused by episodic narrowing and inflammation of the airway
astigmatism
(ah-STIG-mah-TIZ-um)
vision problem caused by the fact that light rays entering the eye aren’t focused on a single point in the back of the eye
atelectasis
(ah-tel-EK-ta-sis) incomplete expansion
atherectomy
(A-ther-EK-toh-mee) surgical removal of fatty plaque within an artery
atherogenesis
(A-ther-oh-JIN-eh-sis)
formation of fatty plaque on the wall of an artery
atherosclerosis
(A-ther-oh-skleh-ROH-sis) hardening of an artery due to buildup of fatty plaque
atrial septal defect
(AY-tree-al SEP-tal DEE-fekt)
flaw in the septum that divides the two atria of the heart
atrophy
(A-troh-fee) underdevelopment, decrease, or loss of muscle tissue
audiogram
(AW-dee-oh-GRAM) record produced by an audiometer
audiologist
(aw-dee-AW-loh-jist) hearing specialist
audiometer
(aw-dee-AW-meh-ter) instrument for measuring hearing
audiometry
(aw-dee-AW-meh-tree) procedure for measuring hearing
aural
(AW-ral)
pertaining to the ear
auscultation
(ah-skul-TAY-shun)
from the Latin word ausculto, meaning to listen; a doctor using a stethoscope is performing an auscultation
autism
(AW-tiz-um)
a psychiatric disorder characterized by the withdrawal from communication with others. The patient is focused only on the self
autograft
(AW-toh-GRAFT)
skin transplant taken from a different place on the patient’s body
azoturia
(AZ-oh-TUR-ee-ah) excess nitrogen in the urine
balanitis
(bal-ah-NAI-tis) inflammation of the penis
balanorrhea
(BAL-ah-noh-REE-ah) discharge from the penis
Bronchodialator
(bron-koh-DAI-lay-tor)
a drug that expands the walls of the bronchi
benign prostate hyperplasia
(beh-NAIN PROS-tayt HAI-per-PLAY-zhah)
noncancerous overdevelopment of the prostate; also known as enlarged prostate
biopsy
(BAI-op-see)
removal of tissue in order to examine it
blepharitis
(BLEF-ah-RAI-tis)
eyelid inflammation
blepharoplasty
(BLEF-ah-roh-PLAS-tee) surgical reconstruction of the eyelid
blepharoplegia
(BLEF-ah-roh-PLEE-jah) paralysis of the eyelid
blepharoptosis
(BLEF-ar-awp-TOH-sis) drooping eyelid
blepharospasm
(BLEF-ah-roh-SPAZ-um)
involuntary contraction of an eyelid
blepharotomy
(BLEF-ah-RAW-toh-mee)
incision into the eyelid
blood pressure
(blud PRESH-ir)
force exerted by blood on the walls of blood vessels
blood urea nitrogen
(blud yoo-REE-ah NAI-troh-jun)
nitrogen in the blood in the form of urea; it is the product of the breakdown of amino acids for energy
bradycardia
(BRAY-dih-KAR-dee-ah)
slow heartbeat slow movement
bradypnea
(brad-ip-NEE-ah)
slow breathing
bradytocia
(BRAY-dih-TOH-shee-ah)
slow labor
Braxton Hicks contraction
(BRAKS-ton HIKS con-TRAK-shun)
sporadic contractions of the uterine muscles of women not in labor; also known as false labor
bronchiectasis
(bron-key-EK-ta-sis)
expansion of the bronchi
bronchodilator
medicine that dialators the bronchi
bariatrics
(BAR-ee-ah-triks)
branch of medicine dealing with weight issues
bronchiolitis
(bron-kee-yo-LAI-tis)
inflammation of the bronchiole
bronchiogenic carcinoma
(bron-kee-oh-JEN-ic car-si-NO-ma)
a cancerous tumor originating in the bronchi
bradykinesia
(brady-kin-EE-zhah)
slowness of movement
bronchitis
(bron-KAI-tis)
inflammation of the bronchi
bulemia
(boo-LEE-mee-ah)
an eating disorder characterized by overeating and usually followed by forced vomiting
bronchoplasty
(bron-koh-PLAS-tee)
reconstruction of a bronchus
bronchoscopy
(bron-KOS-koh-pee)
a procedure to look inside the bronchi
bulimia
(boo-LEE-mee-ah)
an eating disorder characterized by overeating and usually followed by forced vomiting
bulla
(BUL-lah)
from Latin, for bubble; a large blister
bursitis
(bur-SAI-tis)
inflammation of the bursa
capnography
(cap-NAH-gra-fee)
a procedure to record carbon dioxide levels
capnometer
(cap-NOM-eh-ter)
instrument to measure carbon dioxide levels
cardiac arrest
(KAR-dee-ak ah-REST),cessation of functional circulation
cardiac catheterization
(KAR-dee-ak KATH-eh-ter-ih-ZAY-shun)
the process of inserting a tube (catheter) into the heart
cardiologist
(KAR-dee-AW-loh-jist)
heart specialist
cardiology
(KAR-dee-AW-loh-jee)
branch of medicine dealing with the heart
cardiomegaly
(KAR-dee-oh-MEH-gah-lee)
enlarged heart
cardiomyopathy
(KAR-dee-oh-mai-AW-pah-thee)
disease of the heart muscle
cardiopulmonary bypass
(KAR-dee-oh-PUL-mon-AR-ee BAI-pas)
procedure that temporarily circulates and oxygenates a patient’s blood during a portion of heart surgery where the heart is stopped
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(KAR-dee-oh-PUL-mon-air-ee ree-sus-ih-TAY-shun)
a method of artificially maintaining blood flow and airflow when breathing and pulse have stopped
cardiotocograph
(KAR-dee-oh-TOH-koh-GRAF)
instrument for recording the fetal heart rate during labor
cardiovascular
(KAR-dee-oh-VAS-kyoo-lar)
pertaining to the heart and blood vessels
cardioversion
(KAR-dee-oh-VER-zhun),returning a heart to normal rhythm
carpectomy
(kar-PEK-toh-mee)
removal of all or part of the wrist
cataract
(KAT-ah-RAKT)
opacity (cloudiness) of the lens of the eye (from Latin, for waterfall)
cathartic
(kah-THAR-tik)
agent that produces bowel movements
cephalalgia
(SEH-ful-AL-jah)
head pain
cerebral angiography
(seih-REE-bral AN-jee-AW-grah-fee)
procedure used to examine blood vessels in the brain
cerebral palsy
(seh-REE-bral PAL-zee)
paralysis caused by damage to the area of the brain responsible for movement
cerebrovascular accident
(seh-REE-broh-VAS-kyoo-lar AK-sih-dent)
an accident involving the blood vessels of the brain
cerumen impaction
(SEH-roo-men im-PAK-shun)
buildup of ear wax blocking the ear canal
ceruminolytic
(seh-ROO-min-oh-LIH-tik)
drug that aids in the breakdown of ear wax
ceruminosis
(seh-ROO-min-OH-sis)
excessive formation of ear wax
cervicectomy
(SER-vih-SEK-toh-mee)
surgical removal of the cervix
cervicitis
(SER-vih-SAI-tis)
inflammation of the cervix
cervicocolpitis
(SER-vih-koh-kol-PAI-tis)
inflammation of the cervix and vagina
cervicodynia
(sir-vih-koh-DAI-nee-ah)
neck pain
cesarean section
(sih-SER-ee-an SEK-shun)
delivery of a baby through an incision made in the uterus
chemotherapy
(KEE-moh-THER-ah-pee)
treatment using chemicals
cholangiogram
(koh-LAN-jee-oh-gram)
record of the bile vessels (ducts)
cholangiography
(koh-LAN-jee-AW-grah-fee)
procedure for mapping the bile vessels (ducts)
cholangiopancreatography
(koh-LAN-jee-oh-PAN-kree-ah-TAW-grah-fee)
procedure for mapping the bile vessels (ducts) and pancreas
cholangitis
(KOH-lan-JAI-tis)
inflammation of the bile vessels (ducts)
cholecystectomy
(KOH-lay-sis-TEK-toh-me)
surgical removal of the bile (gall) bladder
cholecystitis
(KOH-lay-sis-TAI-tis)
inflammation of the bile (gall) bladder
choledocholithectomy
(KOH-ley-DOH-koh-lih-THEK-toh-mee)
surgical removal of a stone from the (common) bile duct
choledocholithiasis
(koh-lay-DOH-koh-lith-AI-ah-sis)
presence of a stone in the (common) bile duct
cholelith
(KOH-lay-lith)
gallstone; literally, a stone in the bile
cholelithiasis
(KOH-lay-lih-THAI-ah-sis)
presence of a gallstone
cholelithotripsy
(KOH-lay-lih-THOH-trip-see)
crushing of bile (gall) stones
chondrectomy
(kawn-DREK-toh-mee)
removal of cartilage
chondroma
(kawn-DROH-mah)
a tumor-like growth of cartilage tissue
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
(KRON-ik ob-STRUKT-iv pul-mon-AIR-ee dih-ZEEZ)
a lung disease caused by the continual blockage of lung passages
cicatrix (plural cicatrices)
(SIK-ah-triks)
from Latin, for scar; a scar
circulation
(SIR-kyoo-LAY-shun)
moving of blood from the heart through the vessels and back to the heart
circumcision
(SIR-kum-SIH-zhun)
surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis
cirrhosis
(sir-OH-sis)
liver disease named for the change of color in the liver
cochlear implant
(KOH-klee-ar IM-plant)
electronic device that stimulates the cochlea; it can give the sense of sound to those who are profoundly deaf
colitis
(coh-LAI-tis)
inflammation of the colon
colonoscopy
(COH-lon-AW-skoh-pee)
procedure for looking at the colon
colorectal carcinoma
(COH-loh-REK-tal KAR-sih-NOH-mah)
cancerous tumor of the colon or rectum
colostomy
(koh-LAW-stoh-mee)
creation of an opening in the colon
colpopexy
(KOL-poh-PEK-see)
surgical fixation of the vagina
colpoplasty
(KOL-poh-PLAS-tee)
surgical reconstruction of the vagina
colpoptosis
(KOL-pawp-TOH-sis)
downward placement of the vagina
colposcopy
(kol-PAW-skoh-pee)
procedure for examining the vagina
computed axial tomography (CAT or CT)
(kom-PYOO-ted AK-see-al taw-MAW-grah-fee)
imaging procedure using a computer to produce cross sections along an axis
computed tomography
(kom-PYOO-ted tom-O-grah-fee)
an imaging procedure using a computer to “cut” or view “slices” of a patient’s organs
conductive hearing loss
(con-DUK-tiv HEER-ing loss)
sound does not get to the middle/inner ear (due to blockages)
congestive heart failure
(con-JES-tiv HART FAYL-yir)
heart failure characterized by the heart cavity being unable to pump all the blood out of it (congestive)
conjunctivitis
(con-JUNK-tih-VAI-tis)
inflammation of the conjunctiva (also known as pink eye)
contraction
(con-TRAK-shun)
shortening or tightening of a muscle (during labor, uterine muscles contract)
corneal abrasion
(KOR-nee-al a-BRAY-zhun)
scratch on the cornea
corneal transplant
(KOR-nee-al TRANZ-plant)
replacement of damaged cornea with donated tissue
coronary artery bypass graft
(KOR-ah-NAR-ee AR-ter-ee BAI-pas GRAFT)
borrowed piece of blood vessel used to bypass a blocked artery in the heart
coronary artery bypass surgery
(KOR-ah-NAR-ee AR-ter-ee BAI-pas SIR-jir-ee)
surgery to bypass a blocked artery in the heart
corticotropin
(KOR-tih-koh-TROH-pin)
shorter name for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
costalgia
(kaws-TAL-jah),rib pain
costectomy
(kaws-TEK-toh-mee)
removal of a rib
costochondritis
(KAW-stoh-kawn-DRAI-tis)
inflammation of the cartilage of the rib
craniectomy
(KRAY-nee-EK-toh-mee)
removal of a portion of the skull (bone is not replaced)
craniotomy
(KRAY-nee-AW-toh-mee)
removal of a portion of the skull (bone is later replaced)
crust
(krust)
dried substance (i.e., blood, pus) on the skin
cryosurgery
(KRAI-oh-SIR-juh-ree)
destruction of tissue through freezing
cryptorchidism
(krip-TOR-kih-DIZ-um)
hidden testicle
culture & sensitivity
(KUL-chur and sin-sih-TIH-vih-tee)
growing microorganisms in isolation in order to determine which drugs it might respond to
cyanosis
(SAI-ah-NOH-sis)
a bluish appearance to the skin; a sign that the tissue isn’t receiving enough oxygen
cystectomy
(sis-TEK-toh-mee)
surgical removal of the bladder
cystocele
(SIS-toh-seel)
hernia of the bladder
cystodynia
(SIS-toh-DAI-nee-ah)
pain in the bladder
cystogram
(SIS-toh-gram)
image of the bladder
cystography
(sis-TAW-grah-fee)
process for recording/imaging the bladder
cystoplegia
(SIS-toh-PLEE-jah)
bladder paralysis
cystorrhexis
(SIS-toh-REK-sis)
rupture of the bladder
cystoscopy
(sis-TAWS-koh-pee)
process for examining the bladder
cytapheresis
(SAI-tah-fer-EE-sis)
apheresis to remove cellular material
decubitus ulcer
(deh-KYOO-bih-tus UL-sir)
bed sore
deep vein thrombosis
(DEEP VAYN throm-BOH-sis)
the formation of a blood clot deep in the body, most commonly in the leg
dementia
(da-MEN-chah)
loss/decline in mental function
dentalgia
(den-TAL-jah)
tooth pain
dentifrice
(DEN-ti-fris)
toothpaste
dentist
(DEN-tist)
specialist in teeth
dentistry
(DEN-tis-tree)
branch of medicine dealing with teeth
dermabrasion
(der-mah-BRAY-zhun)
rubbing or scraping away the outer surface of skin
dermatalgia
(der-mah-TAL-jah)
skin pain
dermatitis
(der-mah-TAI-tis)
inflammation of the skin
dermatoconiosis
(der-ma-toh-COH-nee-oh-sis)
a skin condition caused by dirt
dermatodynia
(der-MA-toh-DAI-nee-ah)
skin pain
dermatomycosis
(der-mah-toh-mai-KOH-sis)
a fungal skin condition
dermatosis
(der-mah-TOH-sis)
skin condition
dermopathy
(der-MAW-pa-thee)
skin disease
diabetes mellitus
(DAI-ah-BEE-teez MEH-lih-tis)
metabolic disease characterized by excessive urination and hyperglycemia
diaphoresis
(DAI-ah-for-EE-sis)
profuse sweating
diarrhea
(DAI-ah-REE-ah)
passing of fluid or unformed feces
digital rectal exam
(DIJ-ih-tal REK-tal ek-ZAM)
examination of the prostate using a finger inserted into the rectum
dipsogenic
(DIP-soh-JIN-ik)
creating thirst
diuresis
(DAI-yur-EE-sis)
excessive urination
diuretic
(DAI-yur-IT-ik)
agent that causes urination
duodenectomy
(doo-AW-den-EK-toh-mee)
surgical removal of the duodenum
duodenitis
(doo-AH-den-AI-tis)
inflammation of the duodenum
dysentery
(DIS-en-TER-ee)
another name for diarrhea
dyskinesia
(dis-kih-NEE-zhah)
inability to control movement
dysmenorrhea
(DIS-men-oh-REE-ah)
painful menstruation
dyspepsia
(dis-PEP-see-ah)
bad digestion
dysphasia
(dis-FAY-zhah)
difficulty speaking
dyspnea
(disp-NEE-ah)
difficulty breathing
dysrhythmia
(dis-RITH-mee-ah)
irregular heartbeat
dystaxia
(dis-TAK-see-ah)
poor coordination
dystocia
(dis-TOH-shee-ah)
difficult labor
dystonia
(dis-TOH-nee-ah)
poor muscle tone
dysuria
(dis-YUR-ee-ah)
painful urination
ear lavage
(ee-ir lah-VAJ)
rinsing/washing the external ear canal (usually to remove ear wax); from Latin, for to wash, bathe
ecchymosis
(eh-kih-MOH-sis)
from Greek, for to pour out; a larger bruise
echocardiogram
(EK-oh-KAR-dee-oh-GRAM)
image of the heart produced using sound waves; it is the same procedure as an ultrasound performed on a pregnant woman, but done on the heart
echocardiography
(EK-oh-KAR-dee-AW-grah-fee)
use of sound waves to produce an image of the heart
eclampsia
(eh-KLAMP-see-ah)
severe, life-threatening complication of pregnancy characterized by seizures
ectopic pregnancy
(ek-TOP-ik PREG-nan-see)
implantation of a fertilized egg in a place other than the uterus
eczema
(EK-zeh-mah)
from Greek, for to boil over; a red, itchy rash that may weep or ooze, then become crusted and scaly
efferent nerve
(EH-fir-ent nirv)
a nerve that carries impulses away from the central nervous system
electrocardiogram
(eh-LEK-troh-KAR-dee-oh-GRAM)
record of the electrical currents of the heart
electrocardiography
(eh-LEK-troh-KAR-dee-AW-grah-fee)
procedure for recording the electrical currents of the heart
electroencephalography
(eh-LEK-troh-in-SEH-fah-LAW-grah-fee)
procedure used to examine the electrical activity of the brain
embolism
(EM-boh-LIZ-um)
blockage in a blood vessel caused by an embolus
embolus
(EM-boh-lus)
mass of matter present in the blood
emphysema
(em-fi-ZEE-ma)
a disease that causes the alveoli to lose their elasticity; patients can inhale but have difficulty exhaling
encephalitis
(en-SEF-ah-LAI-tis)
inflammation of the brain
encephalocele
(en-SEF-ah-loh-SEEL)
hernia of the brain (normally through a defect in the skull)
encephalopathy
(en-SEF-ah-LAW-pah-thee)
disease of the brain
endarterectomy
(END-ar-ter-EK-toh-me)
surgical removal of the inside of an artery
endocarditis
(EN-doh-kar-DAI-tis)
inflammation of the tissue lining the inside of the heart
endocardium
(EN-doh-KAR-dee-um)
tissue lining the inside of the heart
endocrine
(EN-doh-krin)
secrete internally (i.e., into the bloodstream)
endocrinologist
(EN-doh-krih-NAW-loh-jist)
specialist in internal secretions
endometriosis
(EN-doh-MEE-tree-OH-sis)
condition in which endometrium cells appear and grow outside the uterus
endometrium
(EN-doh-MEE-tree-um)
inner layer of uterine tissue
endoscopy
(en-DAW-skoh-pee)
procedure of looking inside
endotracheal intubation
(en-doh-TRAY-kee-al in-too-BAY-shun)
insertion of a tube inside the trachea
enuresis
(EN-yur-EE-sis)
involuntary urination
epicardium
(EH-pee-KAR-dee-um)
tissue lining the outside of the heart
epidermal
(eh-pi-DER-mal)
pertaining to the skin
epidural hematoma
(EH-pi-DIR-al HEE-mah-TOH-mah)
a hematoma located on top of the dura
epilepsy
(eh-pih-LEP-see)
a disease marked by seizures
epinephrine
(EH-pee-NEF-rin)
hormone secreted by the adrenal gland (from Greek; see also adrenaline)
episiorrhaphy
(eh-PEE-zee-OR-ah-fee)
suture of the vulva
episiotomy
(eh-PEE-zee-AW-toh-mee)
incision into the vulva
epistaxis
(ep-ee-STAKS-is)
nosebleed
erythema
(eh-rih-THEE-ma)
redness
erythrocyanosis
(eh-RITH-roh-SAI-an-OH-sis)
a red and/or blue discoloration of the skin
erythrocyte
(eh-RIH-throh-SAIT)
red blood cell
erythroderma
(eh-RIH-throh-DER-ma)
red skin
esophagitis
(eh-SAWF-ah-JAI-tis)
inflammation of the esophagus
esophagogastroduodenoscopy
(eh-SAWF-ah-goh-GAS-stroh-DOO-aw-den-AW-skoh-pee)
procedure for looking inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
esophagoscopy
(eh-SAW-fah-GAW-skoh-pee)
procedure for looking inside the esophagus
esotropia
(AY-soh-TROH-pee-ah)
inward turning of the eye, toward the nose
euglycemia
(YOO-glai-SEE-mee-ah)
good blood sugar
eupnea
(YOOP-nee-yah)
good/normal breathing
euthyroid
(YOO-thai-royd)
a normal functioning thyroid
exophthalmos
(EKS-of-THAL-mus)
protrusion of the eye out of the eye socket
exotropia
(EKS-oh-TROH-pee-ah)
outward turning of the eye, away from the nose
expectorant
(eks-PEK-tor-ant)
a drug that encourages expulsion of material from the lungs
expectoration
(eks-pec-tor-A-shun)
coughing or spitting material out of the lungs
extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
(EKS-trah-cor-POR-ee-al shok wayv LIH-thoh-TRIP-see)
breakdown of kidney stones using sound waves generated outside the body
fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
(FEE-kal ah-KULT blud test)
test of feces to discover blood not visibly apparent
fetometry
(fee-TAW-meh-tree)
procedure for measuring the fetus
fissure
(FIH-zhur)
a crack in the skin
fistula
(FIS-tyoo-la)
any abnormal passageway in the body that shouldn’t be there
flatus
(FLAH-tus)
medical term for passing gas
fracture
(FRAK-shur)
a bone break
gastralgia
(gas-TRAL-jah)
stomach pain
gastrectomy
(gas-TREK-toh-mee)
surgical removal of the stomach
gastritis
(gas-TRAI-tis)
inflammation of the stomach
gastroduodenostomy
(GAS-troh-doo-AH-den-AW-stoh-mee)
creation of an opening between the stomach and the duodenum
gastrodynia
(GAS-troh-DAI-nee-ah)
stomach pain
gastroenteritis
(GAS-troh-EN-ter-AI-tis)
inflammation of the stomach and intestines
gastroenterologist
(GAS-troh-EN-ter-AW-loh-jist)
specialist in the stomach and intestines
gastroenterology
(GAS-troh-EN-ter-AW-loh-jee)
study of the stomach and intestines
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
(GAS-troh-eh-SOF-ah-JEE-al REE-fluks dih-ZEEZ)
disease in which acid comes up from the stomach and damages the esophagus
gastroscopy
(gas-TRAW-skoh-pee)
procedure for looking at the stomach
gingivitis
(JIN-jih-VAI-tis)
inflammation of the gums
gingivostomatitis
(JIN-jih-voh-STOH-mah-TAI-tis)
inflammation of the mouth and gums
glomerulonephritis
(gloh-MER-yoo-loh-neh-FRAI-tis)
inflammation of the kidneys involving primarily the glomeruli
glossorrhaphy
(glaws-OR-ah-fee)
suture of the tongue
glucosuria
(GLOO-koh-SOO-ree-ah)
sugar in the urine
goiter
(GOY-ter)
swollen thyroid gland
gonadotropin
(goh-NAD-oh-TROH-pin)
hormone that stimulates the gonads
gonads
(GOH-nadz)
the pair of organs used for sexual reproduction; testicles in males and ovaries in females
gonorrhea
(GAW-noh-REE-ah)
discharge from the gonads
gravida
(GRAH-vid-ah)
another term for pregnant
gynecologist
(GAI-neh-KAW-loh-jist)
specialist in medical issues specific to women
gynecology
(GAI-neh-KAW-loh-jee)
study of medical issues specific to women
hematemesis
(HEM-at-EM-eh-sis)
vomiting blood
hematocrit
(hee-MAT-oh-krit)
test to judge or separate the blood; used to determine the ratio of red blood cells to total blood volume
hematology
(HEE-mah-TAW-loh-jee)
study of the blood
hematoma
(HEE-mah-TOH-mah)
mass of blood within an organ, cavity, or tissue
hematopoiesis
(heh-MAH-toh-poh-EE-sis)
formation of blood cells
hematuria
(HEE-mah-TUR-ee-ah)
bloody urination
heminephrectomy
(HEH-mee-neh-FREK-toh-mee)
surgical removal of half a kidney
hemodialysis
(HEE-moh-dai-AL-ah-sis)
procedure for removing waste from the bloodstream
hemolysis
(hee-MAW-lih-sis)
breakdown of blood cells
hemolytic anemia
(HEE-moh-LIH-tik ah-NEE-mee-ah)
anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells
hemophilia
(HEE-moh-FEE-lee-ah)
condition in which the blood doesn’t clot, thus causing excessive bleeding
hemoptysis
(heem-op-TIS-is)
coughing up blood
hemorrhage
(HEM-oh-RIJ)
excessive blood loss
hemorrhoid
(HEM-oh-ROID)
inflammation of the veins surrounding the anus
hemorrhoidectomy
(HEM-oh-roi-DEK-toh-mee)
surgical removal of hemorrhoids
hemothorax
(heem-oh-THOR-aks)
blood in the chest
hepatitis
(HEH-pah-TAI-tis)
inflammation of the liver
hepatomegaly
(heh-PAT-oh-MEG-ah-lee)
enlargement of the liver
hepatosplenomegaly
(heh-PAT-oh-SPLEE-noh-MEH-gah-lee)
enlargement of the liver and spleen
hernia
(HER-nee-ah)
rupture or protrusion of an organ through the wall that normally contains it
herniorrhaphy
(her-nee-OR-ah-fee)
suture of a hernia
heterograft
(HEH-ter-oh-GRAFT)
skin transplant taken from a species other than the patient’s
hidradenitis
(hih-dra-deh-NAI-tis)
inflammation of the sweat glands
hidradenoma
(hih-drad-eh-NOH-mah)
tumor of the sweat gland
hidropoiesis
(hih-droh-poh-EE-sis)
the formation of sweat
homograft
(HOH-moh-GRAFT)
skin transplant taken from another member of the patient’s species
hydrarthrosis
(hai-drar-THROH-sis)
water (fluid) in a joint
hydrocele
(HAI-droh-SEEL)
fluid-filled mass in a testicle
hydrocephaly
(HAI-droh-SEH-fah-lee)
abnormal accumulation of spinal fluid in the brain
hydronephrosis
(HAI-droh-neh-FROH-sis)
kidney condition caused by the obstruction of urine flow
hydrophobia
(HAI-droh-FOH-bee-ah)
fear of water
hypercapnia
(hai-per-CAP-nee-yah)
condition of having excessive carbon dioxide in the blood
hypercarbia
(hai-per-CAR-bee-yah)
excessive carbon dioxide
hyperemesis
(HAI-per-EM-eh-sis)
excessive vomiting
hyperemesis gravidarum
(HAI-per-eh-MEE-sis GRAV-ih-DAR-um)
excessive pregnancy-related vomiting; an extreme form of the more common morning sickness
hyperglycemia
(HAI-per-glai-SEE-mee-ah)
high blood sugar
hyperhidrosis
(hai-per-hih-DROH-sis)
excessive sweating
hyperkeratosis
(hai-per-ker-ah-TOH-sis)
excessive growth of horny skin
hyperkinesia
(hai-per-kih-NEE-zhah)
increase in muscle movement or activity
hyperlipidemia
(HAI-per-lih-pih-DEE-mee-ah)
excessive fat in the blood
hypermelanosis
(hai-per-mel-an-OH-sis)
excessive melanin in the skin
hyperopia
(HAI-per-OH-pee-ah)
farsightedness
hyperparathyroidism
(HAI-per-PAR-ah-THAI-roid-IZM)
overproduction by the parathyroid glands
hyperpigmentation
(hai-per-pig-men-TAY-shun)
excessive pigment in the skin
hyperpituitarism
(HAI-per-pih-TOO-ih-tar-IZM)
overfunctioning of the pituitary gland
hyperpnea
(hai-perp-NEE-ah)
heavy breathing
hypertension
(HAI-per-TEN-shun)
high blood pressure
hyperthyroidism
(HAI-per-THAI-roid-IZM)
overproduction by the thyroid
hypertrichosis
(HAI-per-trih-KOH-sis)
excessive growth of hair
hypertrophy
(hai-PER-troh-fee)
overdevelopment of muscle tissue
hyperventilation
(hai-per-ven-ti-LAY-shun)
overbreathing; condition of having too much air flowing into and out of the lungs; leads to hypocapnia
hypocapnia
(hai-poh-CAP-nee-yah)
insufficient carbon dioxide
hypocarbia
(hai-poh-CAR-bee-yah)
insufficient carbon dioxide
hypodermic
(hai-poh-DER-mik)
pertaining to beneath the skin
hypoglycemia
(HAI-poh-glai-SEE-mee-ah)
low blood sugar
hypoglycemic
(HAI-poh-glai-SEE-mik)
pertaining to low blood sugar
hypohidrosis
(hai-poh-hih-DROH-sis)
diminished sweating
hypomagnesemia
(HAI-poh-MAG-nee-SEE-mee-ah)
deficient magnesium in the blood
hypomelanosis
(hai-poh-mel-an-OH-sis)
diminished melanin in the skin
hypoparathyroidism
(HAI-poh-PAR-ah-THAI-roid-IZM)
underproduction by the parathyroid
hypophysectomy
(hai-POF-is-EK-toh-mee)
removal of the pituitary gland
hypopigmentation
(hai-poh-pig-men-TAY-shun)
diminished pigment in the skin
hypopituitarism
(HAI-poh-pih-TOO-ih-tar-IZM)
condition caused by the undersecretion of the pituitary gland
hypopnea
(hai-POP-nee-ah)
shallow breathing
hypospadias
(HAI-poh-SPAY-dee-as)
birth defect in which the opening of the urethra is on the underside, instead of the end, of the penis
hypotension
(HAI-poh-TEN-shun)
low blood pressure
hypothyroidism
(HAI-poh-THAI-roid-IZM)
underproduction by the thyroid
hypotonia
(hai-poh-TOH-nee-yah)
decrease in muscle tone or tightness
hypoventilation
(hai-poh-ven-ti-LAY-shun)
underbreathing; condition of having too little air flowing into and out of the lungs; leads to hypercapnia
hypoxemia
(hai-poks-EEM-ee-yah)
insufficient oxygen in the blood
hypoxia
(hai-POKS-ee-yah)
insufficient oxygen
hysteralgia
(HIS-ter-AL-jah)
pain in the uterus
hysterectomy
(HIS-ter-EK-toh-mee)
surgical removal of the uterus
hysterocele
(HIS-ter-oh-SEEL)
hernia of the uterus
hysterodynia
(HIS-ter-oh-DAI-nee-ah)
pain in the uterus
hysteropexy
(HIS-ter-oh-PEK-see)
surgical fixation of the uterus
hysteroptosis
(HIS-ter-awp-TOH-sis)
downward displacement of the uterus into the vagina
hysterorrhexis
(HIS-ter-oh-REK-sis)
rupture of the uterus
hysterosalpingectomy
(HIS-ter-oh-SAL-pin-JEK-toh-mee)
surgical removal of the uterus and fallopian tube
hysterosalpingogram
(HIS-ter-oh-sal-PIN-goh-gram)
record of the uterus and fallopian tubes
hysteroscope
(HIS-ter-oh-SKOHP)
instrument for examining the uterus
hysteroscopy
(HIS-ter-AW-skoh-pee)
procedure for examining the uterus
hysterotomy
(HIS-ter-AW-toh-mee)
incision into the uterus
ichthyosis
(ik-thee-OH-sis)
a condition in which the skin is dry and scaly, resembling fish scales
icterus
(IK-ter-us)
see jaundice
ileostomy
(IH-lee-AW-stoh-mee)
creation of an opening in the ileum
immunocompromised
(ih-MYOO-noh-COM-proh-MAIZD)
having an immune system incapable of responding normally and completely to a pathogen or disease
immunodeficiency
(ih-MYOO-noh-deh-FIH-shin-see)
immune system with decreased or compromised response to disease-causing organisms
immunosuppression
(ih-MYOO-noh-suh-PREH-shun)
reduction in the activity of the body’s immune system
impetigo
(im-peh-TAI-goh)
from Latin, for to attack; a highly contagious bacterial infection of the skin
in vitro fertilization
(in VEE-troh FER-tih-lih-ZAY-shun)
fertilization of an egg done in a test tube
incision and drainage (I&D)
(in-SIH-zhun and DRAY-nij)
to cut into a wound to allow trapped infected liquid to drain
incontinence
(in-CON-tih-nentz)
inability to control urination
induced abortion
(in-DOOST ah-BOR-shun)
the intentional termination of pregnancy
inferior vena cava
(in-FEER-ee-or VEE-nah CAY-vah)
portion of the vena cava that gathers blood from the lower portion of the body
insulin
(IN-suh-lin)
hormone secreted by the pancreas that controls the metabolism and uptake of sugar and fats
insulinoma
(IN-suh-lin-OH-mah)
tumor that secretes insulin (found in the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas)
intracerebral hematoma
(IN-trah-seh-REE-bral HEE-mah-TOH-mah)
a hematoma located inside the brain
intradermal
(in-trah-DER-mal)
pertaining to inside the skin
intraocular lens implant
(IN-trah-AW-kyoo-lar lenz IM-plant)
insertion of a new lens inside the eye
intravitreal antibiotic
(IN-trah-VEE-tree-al AN-tai-bai-AW-tik)
antibiotic administered directly into the vitreous gel liquid
iridectomy
(EAR-id-EK-toh-mee)
removal of the iris
iridopathy
(EAR-ih-DOP-ah-thee)
disease of the iris
iridotomy
(EAR-id-AW-toh-mee)
incision into the iris
iritis
(ai-RAI-tis)
inflammation of the iris
iron deficiency anemia
(AI-ern deh-FIH-shin-see ah-NEE-mee-ah)
anemia caused by inadequate iron intake
ischemia
(ih-SKEE-mee-ah)
blockage of blood flow to an organ
jaundice
(JAWN-dis)
yellowing of skin, tissue, and fluids caused by increased levels of bilirubin in the blood
jejunostomy
(JE-joo-NAW-stoh-mee)
creation of an opening in the jejunum
keloid
(KEE-loid)
overgrowth of scar tissue
keratalgia
(KEH-rah-TAL-jah)
pain in the cornea
keratogenic
(keh-RA-toh-jen-ik)
causing horny tissue development
keratopathy
(KEH-ra-TOP-ah-thee)
disease of the cornea
keratoplasty
(ker-A-toh-PLAS-tee)
surgical reconstruction of the cornea
keratosis
(keh-rah-TOH-sis)
horny tissue condition
keratotomy
(KER-ah-TAW-toh-mee)
incision into the cornea
kidney dialysis
(KID-nee dai-AL-ah-sis)
procedure for removing waste from the blood (an alternative name for hemodialysis)
kleptomania
(KLEP-toh-MAY-nee-ah)
desire to steal
kyphosis
(kai-FOH-sis)
humped back—abnormal forward curvature of the upper spine
laparocele
(LAP-ar-oh-seel)
abdominal hernia
laparonephrectomy
(LAP-ah-roh-neh-FREK-toh-mee)
surgical removal of a kidney through the abdomen
laparoscope
(LAP-ar-oh-skohp)
instrument for looking inside the abdomen
laparoscopic surgery
(LAP-rah-SKAW-pik SIR-jir-ee)
use of a laparoscope to perform minimally invasive surgery
laparoscopy
(LAP-ar-AW-skoh-pee)
procedure for looking inside the abdomen
laryngectomy
(la-rin-JEK-toe-mee)
removal of the larynx
laryngitis
(la-rin-JAI-tis),
nflammation of the larynx
laryngotracheobronchitis
(la-rin-go-tray-key-o-bron-KAI-tis)
inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi
leukemia
(loo-KEE-mee-ah)
cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by the abnormal increase in white blood cells
leukocyte
(LOO-koh-sait)
white blood cell
leukoderma
(loo-koh-DER-mah)
white skin
leukopenia
(LOO-koh-PEE-nee-ah)
deficiency in white blood cells
lipectomy
(lih-PEK-toh-mee)
removal of fatty tissue
liposuction
(LAI-poh-SUK-shun)
removal of fatty tissue using a vacuum
lithectomy
(lih-THEK-toh-mee)
surgical removal of a stone in the bladder
lithotripsy
(LIH-thoh-TRIP-see)
breakdown of a stone
lobectomy
(loh-BEK-toh-mee)
removal of a lobe
lordosis
(lor-DOH-sis)
swayback—abnormal forward curvature of the lower spine
lumbar puncture
(LUM-bar PUNK-chir)
inserting a needle into the lumbar region of the spine in order to collect spinal fluid
lymphadenectomy
(lim-FAD-eh-NEK-toh-mee)
surgical removal of a lymph gland (node)
lymphadenitis
(LIM-fad-eh-NAI-tis)
inflammation of a lymph gland (node)
lymphadenopathy
(lim-FAD-eh-NAW-pah-thee)
any disease of a lymph gland (node); used to refer to noticeably swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck
lymphadenotomy
(lim-FAD-eh-NAW-toh-mee)
incision into a lymph gland (node)
lymphangiography
(lim-FAN-jee-AW-grah-fee)
procedure to study the lymph vessels
lymphangitis
(LIM-fan-JAI-tis)
inflammation of the lymph vessels
lymphedema
(LIMF-ah-DEE-mah)
swelling caused by abnormal accumulation of lymph
lymphocyte
(LIM-foh-SAIT),
lymph cell
lymphoma
(lim-FOH-mah)
tumor originating in lymphocytes