Hosa Flashcards
abdominal computed tomography
a radiographic procedure that produces a detailed cross-section of the tissue structure within the abdomen
abdominal ultrasound
a noninvasive test used to visualize internal organs by using very high-frequency sound waves.
abdominocentesis
the surgical puncture of the abdominal cavity to remove fluid
ablation
the removal of a body part or the destruction of its function
abortion
the interruption or termination of pregnancy before the fetus is viable
abrasion
an injury in which superficial layers of skin are scraped or rubbed away
abruptio placentae
a disorder in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before the birth of the fetus
abscess
a closed pocket containing pus caused by a bacterial infection
absence seizure
a brief disturbance in brain function in which there is a loss of awareness often described as a staring episode
acanthosis nigricans
a condition where one or more areas of the skin develop dark wart-like patches
ACE inhibitors
medications administered to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure
acetaminophen
analgesic that reduces pain and fever but does not relieve inflammation
Achilles tendinitis
inflammation of the Achilles tendon caused by excessive stress being placed on that tendon
acidosis
excessive acid in the body fluids
acne vulgaris
a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by pustular eruptions of the skin caused by an overproduction of sebum around the hair shaft
acoustic neuroma
a brain tumor that develops adjacent to the cranial nerve running from the brain to the inner ear
acoustic reflectometry
measures how much sound is reflected back from the eardrum
acquired immunity
immunity obtained by having had a contagious disease
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
the advanced stage of an HIV infection
acromegaly
enlargement of the extremities caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone after puberty
acrophobia
an excessive fear of heights
actinic keratosis
a precancerous skin growth that occurs on sun-damaged skin
activities of daily living
include bathing, grooming, brushing teeth, eating, and dressing
acupressure
a traditional Chinese medical practice using very thin acupuncture needles inserted into specific points of the body
acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
an abnormal growth of bacteria in the mouth
acute renal failure
sudden onset of kidney failure that may be caused by the kidneys not receiving enough blood
acute respiratory distress syndrome
a life-threatening condition in which inflammation in the lungs and fluid in the alveoli lead to low levels of oxygen in the blood.
addiction
compulsive, uncontrollable dependence on a substance, habit, or practice
Addison’s disease
a condition that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol or aldosterone
adenectomy
a surgical removal of a gland
adenitis
inflammation of a gland
adenocarcinoma
carcinoma derived from glandular tissue
adenoma
benign tumor that arises from, or resembles, glandular tissue
adenomalacia
abnormal softening of a gland
adenosclerosis
abnormal hardening of a gland
adenosis
any disease or condition of a gland
adhesion
a band of fibrous tissue that holds structures together abnormally
adhesive capsulitis
painful ankylosis of the shoulder caused by adhesions forming in the synovial capsule surrounding the shoulder
adjuvant therapy
cancer treatment sometimes used after the primary treatments have been completed to decrease the chance that a cancer will recur
adrenalitis
inflammation of the adrenal glands.
adverse drug reaction
an undesirable reaction that accompanies the principal response for which the drug was taken.
aerophagia
excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking.
age spots
discolorations caused by sun exposure.
agoraphobia
an excessive fear of environments where the person fears a panic attack might occur.
airborne transmission
disease transmission that occurs through contact with germs floating in the air
airway inflammation
the swelling and clogging of the bronchial tubes with mucus.
airway obstruction
occurs when food or a foreign object partially or completely blocks the airway and prevents air from entering or leaving the lungs.
albinism
a genetic condition characterized by a deficiency or absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and irises
albuminuria
the presence of the protein albumin in the urine
alcoholism
chronic alcohol dependence with specific signs and symptoms upon withdrawal
aldosteronism
an abnormality of electrolyte balance caused by excessive secretion of aldosterone.
allergen
a substance that produces an allergic response in an individual.
allergic reaction
occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a harmless allergen as if it were a dangerous invader.
allergic rhinitis
an allergic reaction to airborne allergens.
allergy
an overreaction by the body to a particular antigen.
allogenic bone marrow transplant
a transplant in which the recipient receives bone marrow from a compatible donor.
allopathic medicine
conventional medical practices and systems of health care.
alopecia
the partial or complete loss of hair, most commonly on the scalp
alopecia areata:
an autoimmune disorder that attacks the hair follicles, causing well-defined bald areas on the scalp or elsewhere on the body.
alopecia totalis
an uncommon condition characterized by the loss of all the hair on the scalp
alopecia universalis
the total loss of hair on all parts of the body
alternative medicine
a general term for practices and systems of health care used in place of allopathic medicine
Alzheimer’s disease
a group of disorders involving the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language
amblyopia
dimness of vision or the partial loss of sight, especially in one eye, without detectable disease of the eye
amenorrhea
the abnormal absence of menstrual periods for three months or more
ametropia
any error of refraction in which images do not focus properly on the retina.
amnesia
a memory disturbance marked by a total or partial inability to recall past experiences.
amniocentesis
a surgical puncture to remove amniotic fluid to evaluate fetal health and to diagnose certain congenital disorders.
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
a rapidly progressive neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles
anal fissure
a small crack-like sore in the skin of the anus that can cause severe pain during a bowel movement.
analgesic
a medication that relieves pain without affecting consciousness.
anaphylaxis
a severe, systemic response to an allergen.
anaplasia
a change in the structure of cells and in their orientation to each other.
anastomosis
a surgical connection between two hollow or tubular structures.
androgenic alopecia
the most common type of hair loss, called male pattern baldness in men and female pattern baldness in women.
andropause
marked by the decrease of the male hormone testosterone, gradually beginning in the late 40s and progressing very gradually over several decades..
anemia
a disorder characterized by lower than normal levels of red blood cells in the blood.
anesthesia
the absence of normal sensation, especially sensitivity to pain.
anesthetic
medication used to induce anesthesia.
aneurysm
a localized weak spot or balloon-like enlargement of the wall of an artery.
aneurysm clipping
a surgical method to isolate an aneurysm from the rest of the circulatory system by placing a small clip across its neck.
aneurysmectomy
the surgical removal of an aneurysm.
aneurysmorrhaphy
surgical suturing of an aneurysm.
angina
episodes of severe chest pain due to inadequate blood flow to the myocardium.
angiogenesis
the process through which the tumor supports its growth by creating its own blood supply.
angiogram
the film produced by angiography.
angiography
a radiographic study of the blood vessels after the injection of a contrast medium.
angioplasty
mechanically widening a narrowed or obstructed blood vessel.
angiostenosis
abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel.
anhidrosis
the abnormal condition of lacking sweat in response to heat.
anisocoria
a condition in which the pupils are unequal in size.
ankylosing spondylitis
a form of rheumatoid arthritis that primarily causes inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae.
ankylosis
the loss or absence of mobility in a joint due to disease, injury, or a surgical procedure.
anomaly
a deviation from what is regarded as normal.
anorchism
the congenital absence of one or both testicles.
anorexia
the loss of appetite for food, especially when caused by disease.
anorexia nervosa
an eating disorder characterized by a false perception of body appearance that leads to a refusal to maintain a normal body weight.
anoscopy
the visual examination of the anal canal and lower rectum.
anovulation
the absence of ovulation when it would normally be expected.
anoxia
the absence of oxygen from the body’s tissues or organs despite adequate flow of blood
antacids
medications to relieve indigestion or help peptic ulcers heal by neutralizing stomach acids
anthrax
a contagious disease that can be transmitted through livestock.
anti-inflammatory
medication administered to relieve inflammation and pain.
antiangiogenesis:
cancer treatment that disrupts the blood supply to the tumor.
antiarrhythmic
medication administered to control irregularities of the heartbeat.
antibiotic-resistant bacteria:
develops when an antibiotic fails to kill all of the bacteria it targets. When this occurs, the surviving bacteria become resistant to that particular drug
antibiotics
medications capable of inhibiting growth or killing pathogenic bacteria
antibody
a disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen
anticoagulant
medication that slows coagulation and prevents new clots from forming
anticonvulsant
medication that prevents seizures
antidepressant
medications administered to prevent or relieve depression
antiemetic
medication administered to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
antifungal
an agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi
antigen
any substance that the body regards as being foreign
antihistamines
medications administered to block and control allergic reactions
antihypertensive
medication administered to lower blood pressure.
antineoplastic
medication that blocks the development, growth, or proliferation of malignant cells
antioxidants
chemicals such as vitamins A, C, and E, carotene, and lutein that may prevent or delay cell damage.
antipsychotic drug
administered to treat symptoms of severe disorders of thinking and mood that are associated with neurological and psychiatric illnesses.
antipyretic
medication administered to prevent or reduce fever.
antispasmodic
medication administered to suppress smooth muscle contractions
antithyroid drug
a medication administered to slow the ability of the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.
antitussive
medication administered to prevent or relieve coughing.
antiviral drug
medication administered to treat viral infections or to provide temporary immunity.
anuria
the absence of urine formation by the kidneys.
anxiety disorders
mental conditions characterized by excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, or fear that is out of proportion to the real danger in a situation.
anxiolytic drug
medication administered to temporarily relieve anxiety and reduce tension
Apgar score:
an evaluation of a newborn infant’s physical status.
aphasia
loss of the ability to speak, write, and/or comprehend the written or spoken word.
aphonia
the loss of the ability of the larynx to produce normal speech sounds.
aphthous ulcers
gray-white pits with a red border in the soft tissues lining the mouth.
aplasia
the defective development or congenital absence of an organ or tissue.
aplastic anemia.
a condition marked by the absence of all formed blood elements.
apnea
the absence of spontaneous respiration.
appendectomy
surgical removal of the appendix.
appendicitis
inflammation of the appendix.
arrhythmia
a loss of the normal rhythm of the heartbeat.
arterial blood gas analysis:
a test to measure the pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels of arterial blood.
arterial stick:
the puncture of an artery to obtain arterial blood.
arteriectomy
surgical removal of part of an artery.
arteriomalacia.
abnormal softening of the walls of an artery or arteries.
arterionecrosis
tissue death of an artery or arteries.
arteriosclerosis
abnormal hardening of the walls of an artery or arteries.
arteriostenosis
abnormal narrowing of an artery or arteries.
arteriovenous malformation
an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brain; may cause a hemorrhagic stroke.
arthralgia
pain in one or more joints.
arthritis
an inflammatory condition of one or more joints.
arthrocentesis
surgical puncture of the joint space to remove synovial fluid for analysis.
arthrodesis
a surgical procedure to stiffen a joint.
arthrolysis
surgical loosening of an ankylosed joint.
arthroplasty
surgical repair of a damaged joint; also the surgical replacement of a joint with an artificial joint.
arthrosclerosis
stiffness of the joints, especially in the elderly.
arthroscopic surgery
a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of the interior of a joint.
arthroscopy
visual examination of the internal structure of a joint using an arthroscope.
artificial insemination
a technique in which sperm from a woman’s partner or donor are introduced into the vagina or uterus during the ovulatory phase of her menstrual cycle.
artificial pacemaker
electronic device used primarily as treatment for bradycardia or atrial fibrillation.
asbestosis
the form of pneumoconiosis caused by asbestos particles in the lungs.
ascites
an abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
asphyxia
the loss of consciousness that occurs when the body cannot get the oxygen it needs to function.
aspiration pneumonia
pneumonia caused by a foreign substance, such as vomit, being inhaled into the lungs.
aspirin
medication that may be recommended in a very small daily dose to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke by slightly reducing the ability of the blood to clot.
assisted reproductive technology
techniques used to aid an infertile couple in achieving a viable pregnancy.
assistive listening device:
a device that transmits, processes, or amplifies sound and can be used with or without a hearing aid.
asthma
a chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes.
astigmatism.
a condition in which the eye does not focus properly because of uneven curvatures of the cornea.
asystole
complete lack of electrical activity in the heart.
ataxia
the lack of muscle coordination during voluntary movement.
atelectasis
incomplete expansion of part or all of the lung.
atherectomy.
surgical removal of plaque buildup from the interior lining of an artery.
atheroma
a deposit of fatty plaque on or within the arterial wall.
atherosclerosis
hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to a buildup of cholesterol plaque.
atonic
lacking normal muscle tone or strength.
atresia
describes the congenital absence of a normal opening or the failure of a structure to be tubular.
atrial fibrillation
rapid irregular twitching of the muscular wall of the atria.
atrophy
weakness or wearing away of body tissues and structures caused by pathology or by disuse over a long period of time.
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
a condition characterized by a short attention span and impulsive behavior inappropriate for the child’s developmental age.
audiological evaluation
the measurement of the ability to hear and understand speech sounds based on their pitch and loudness.
audiometry
the use of an audiometer to measure hearing acuity.
auscultation
listening for sounds within the body, usually done with a stethoscope.
autism
a subgroup of autistic spectrum disorders
autistic spectrum disorder
a condition with different levels of severity in which a young child has difficulty developing normal social relationships and communication skills, may compulsively follow repetitive routines, and has narrowly focused, intense interests.
autoimmune disorder.
a condition in which the immune system produces antibodies against the body’s own tissues.
autologous bone marrow transplant
a transplant utilizing the patient’s own bone marrow that was harvested before treatment began.
automated external defibrillator
electronic equipment that externally shocks the heart to restore a normal cardiac rhythm.
autopsy
postmortem (after death) examination.
avascular necrosis
an area of bone tissue death caused by insufficient blood flow.
Ayurvedic medicine
traditional Hindu system of medicine.
azoospermia
the absence of sperm in the semen.
azotemia
an elevation of the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) caused by a lack of blood flow to each kidney.
bacilli
rod-shaped, spore-forming bacteria.
bacteria
one-celled microscopic organisms.
bacterial endocarditis
inflammation of the lining or valves of the heart caused by bacteria in the bloodstream.
bacterial pneumonia.
pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
bacterial vaginosis
a condition in women in which there is an abnormal overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina.
bactericide
a substance that causes the death of bacteria.
bacteriuria
the presence of bacteria in the urine.
Baker’s cyst
a fluid-filled sac behind the knee that usually results from a condition such as rheumatoid arthritis triggering the production of excess synovial fluid.
balanitis
inflammation of the glans penis.
barbiturates
a class of drugs whose major action is a calming or depressed effect on the central nervous system.
bariatric surgery
performed to treat morbid obesity by restricting the amount of food that can enter the stomach and be digested.
bariatrics
the branch of medicine for the prevention and control of obesity and associated diseases.
barium
a radiopaque contrast medium used primarily to visualize the gastrointestinal tract.
barotrauma
pressure-related ear condition.
Barrett’s esophagus
a condition that occurs when the cells in the epithelial tissue of the esophagus are damaged by chronic acid exposure
basal cell carcinoma
a malignant tumor of the basal cell layer of the epidermis.
behavioral therapy
therapy that focuses on changing behavior by identifying problem behaviors, replacing them with appropriate behaviors, and using rewards or other consequences to make the changes.
Bell’s palsy.
temporary paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve that causes paralysis only on the affected side of the face.
benign
something that is not life-threatening and does not recur.
benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
vertigo resulting from a shift in the location of small crystals in the semicircular canals of the ears.
benign prostatic hyperplasia
abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland often found in men over 50.
beta-blockers
medications administered to reduce the workload of the heart by slowing the heartbeat.
binaural testing
involves both ears.
biofeedback
treatment that teaches a person to control bodily functions through cognitive control techniques to decrease stress.
bioimpedance spectroscopy
a noninvasive method of diagnosing lymphedema by measuring the limb’s resistance to an electrical current.
biopsy
the removal of a small piece of living tissue for examination to confirm or establish a diagnosis.
BiPAP machine
noninvasive ventilation device like a CPAP machine; however, it can be set at a higher pressure for inhaling and a lower pressure for exhaling.
bipolar disorder
a mental condition characterized by cycles of severe mood changes shifting from highs and severe lows.
bladder retraining
behavioral training in which the patient learns to urinate on a schedule with increasingly longer time intervals between scheduled urination.
bladder ultrasound
the use of a handheld ultrasound transducer to measure the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination.
blepharitis
swelling of the eyelid.
blepharoplasty
surgical reduction of the upper and lower eyelids.
blindness
the inability to see.
blood dyscrasia
any pathologic condition of the cellular elements of the blood.
blood urea nitrogen
a blood test performed to determine the amount of urea present in the blood.
bloodborne transmission
the spread of a disease through contact with blood or other body fluids that are contaminated with blood.
body mass index
a number that shows body weight adjusted for height.
bolus
a single dose of a drug usually injected into a blood vessel over a short period of time.
bone density testing
a diagnostic test to determine losses or changes in bone density.
bone marrow biopsy
a diagnostic test to determine why blood cells are abnormal or to find a donor match for a bone marrow transplant.
bone marrow transplant
cancer treatment in which abnormal bone marrow is destroyed and replaced with new stem cells.
bone scan
a specialized nuclear scan that identifies new areas of bone growth or breakdown.
borborygmus
the rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas in the intestine.
Botox
a formulation of botulinum toxin that is administered by injection to temporarily improve the appearance of frown lines between the eyebrows.
bowel incontinence
the inability to control the excretion of feces.
brachytherapy
the use of radioactive materials in contact with or implanted into the tissues to be treated.
bradycardia
an abnormally slow resting heart rate, usually at a rate of less than 60 beats per minute.
bradykinesia
extreme slowness in movement.
bradypnea
an abnormally slow rate of respiration, usually of less than 10 breaths per minute.
brain tumor
an abnormal growth within the skull.
brand name
medication sold under the name given the drug by the manufacturer
Braxton Hicks contractions
intermittent painless uterine contractions that are not true labor pains.
breast augmentation
mammoplasty performed to increase breast size.
breast cancer
a carcinoma that develops from the cells of the breast and can spread to adjacent lymph nodes and other body sites.
breast reduction
mammoplasty performed to decrease and reshape excessively large, heavy breasts..
breast self-examination
a self-care procedure for the early detection of breast cancer.
breech presentation
a birth complication in which the buttocks or feet of the fetus are positioned to enter the birth canal first instead of the head.
bronchiectasis
permanent dilation of the bronchi caused by chronic infection and inflammation.
bronchodilator
a medication that relaxes and expands the bronchial passages into the lungs.
bronchopneumonia
a localized form of pneumonia often affects the bronchioles.
bronchorrhea
an excessive discharge of mucus from the bronchi.
bronchoscopy
the visual examination of the bronchi using a bronchoscope.
bronchospasm
a contraction of the smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles that tighten and squeeze the airway shut.
bruit
an abnormal sound or murmur heard during auscultation of an artery.
bruxism
involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth that usually occurs during sleep.
bulimia nervosa
an eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting
bulla
a large blister that is usually more than 0.5 cm in diameter.
burn
an injury to body tissues caused by heat, flame, electricity, sun, chemicals, or radiation.
burn, first-degree
a burn in which there are no blisters and only superficial damage to the epidermis.
burn, second-degree
a burn in which there are blisters and damage to both the epidermis and the dermis.
burn, third-degree
a burn in which there is damage to the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous layers, and possibly also the muscle below.
bursitis
inflammation of a bursa.
C-reactive protein
a blood test that detects high levels of inflammation within the body.
cachexia
physical wasting away due to the loss of weight and muscle mass that occurs in patients with diseases such as advanced cancer or AIDS.
calcium channel blocker agents
medications that cause the heart and blood vessels to relax by decreasing the movement of calcium into the cells of these structures.
calciuria
the presence of calcium in the urine.
callus
a bulging deposit that forms around the area of the break in a bone; also a thickening of the skin that is caused by repeated rubbing
cancer
a class of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues.
candidiasis
a yeast infection.
capillary hemangioma
a soft, raised, pink, or red vascular birthmark..
capillary puncture
technique used to obtain a small amount of blood for a blood test.
capsule endoscopy
a tiny video camera in a capsule that the patient swallows that transmits images of the walls of the small intestine.
carbuncle
a cluster of connected furuncles (boils).
carcinoma
a malignant tumor that occurs in epithelial tissue.
carcinoma in situ
a malignant tumor in its original position that has not yet disturbed or invaded the surrounding tissues.
cardiac ablation
a procedure using heat or extreme cold to scar or destroy the heart tissue triggering an abnormal heart rhythm.
cardiac arrest
an event in which the heart abruptly stops beating or develops an arrhythmia that prevents it from pumping blood.
cardiac catheterization
a diagnostic procedure in which a catheter is passed into a vein or artery and guided into the heart.
cardiocentesis
the puncture of a chamber of the heart for diagnosis or therapy.
cardiomegaly
abnormal enlargement of the heart.
cardiomyopathy
all diseases of the heart muscle.
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
an emergency procedure for life support consisting of artificial respiration and manual external cardiac compression.
carditis
an inflammation of the heart.
carotid endarterectomy
surgical removal of the lining of a portion of a clogged carotid artery.
carotid ultrasonography
an ultrasound study of the carotid artery that is performed to predict or diagnose an ischemic stroke.
carpal tunnel release
the surgical enlargement of the carpal tunnel or cutting of the carpal ligament to relieve pressure on nerves and tendons.
carpal tunnel syndrome
swelling that creates pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel.
castration
surgical removal or destruction of both testicles.
cataract
the loss of transparency of the lens of the eye.
catatonic behavior
marked by a lack of responsiveness, stupor, and a tendency to remain in a fixed posture.
causalgia
persistent, severe, burning pain that usually follows an injury to a sensory nerve.
cauterization
the destruction of tissue by burning.
celiac disease
an inherited autoimmune disorder characterized by a severe reaction to foods containing gluten.
cellulitis
an acute, rapidly spreading bacterial infection within the connective tissues of the skin.
centesis
a surgical puncture to remove fluid for diagnostic purposes or to remove excess fluid.
cephalalgia
pain in the head.
cephalic presentation
when the baby is born head first.
cerebral contusion
bruising of brain tissue as the result of a head injury that causes the brain to bounce against the skull.
cerebral palsy
a condition characterized by poor muscle control, spasticity, and other neurologic deficiencies.
cerebrovascular accident
damage to the brain that occurs when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted
cervical cancer
cancer that develops in the cervix.
cervical dysplasia
the presence of precancerous changes in the cells that make up the inner lining of the cervix.
cervical radiculopathy
nerve pain caused by pressure on the spinal nerve roots in the neck region.
cervicitis
inflammation of the cervix.
cesarean section
the delivery of the child through an incision in the maternal abdominal and uterine walls.
chalazion
a nodule or cyst, usually on the upper eyelid, caused by obstruction of a sebaceous gland.
cheilosis
a disorder of the lips characterized by crack-like sores at the corners of the mouth.
chemabrasion
the use of chemicals to remove the outer layers of skin.
chemoprevention
the use of natural or synthetic substances such as drugs or vitamins to reduce the risk of developing cancer or to reduce the chance that cancer will occur.
chemotherapy
the use of chemical agents and drugs in combinations selected to destroy malignant cells and tissues.
chest x-ray
a valuable tool for diagnosing pneumonia, lung cancer, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, tuberculosis, and emphysema.
Cheyne-Stokes respiration
an irregular pattern of breathing characterized by alternating rapid or shallow respiration followed by slow respiration or apnea.
chiropractic manipulative therapy
a system of mechanical spinal adjustments made by a chiropractor to correct biomechanical problems in the skeleton.
chlamydia
a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.
chloasma
a pigmentation disorder characterized by brownish spots on the face.
cholangiography
a radiographic examination of the bile ducts with the use of a contrast medium.
cholangitis
an acute inflammation of the bile duct characterized by pain in the upper-right quadrant of the abdomen, fever, and jaundice.
cholecystectomy
the surgical removal of the gallbladder.
cholecystitis
inflammation of the gallbladder that is usually associated with gallstones.
choledocholithotomy
an incision in the common bile duct for the removal of gallstones.
cholelithiasis
the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
cholesteatoma
destructive epidermal cyst in the middle ear made up of epithelial cells and cholesterol.
cholesterol
a fatty substance that travels through the blood and is found in all parts of the body.
cholesterol-lowering drugs
medications, such as statins, that are administered to reduce the undesirable cholesterol levels in the blood.
chondromalacia
abnormal softening of the cartilage.
chondroplasty
surgical repair of damaged cartilage.
chorionic villus sampling
examination of cells retrieved from the chorionic villi between the 8th and 10th weeks of pregnancy.
chronic bronchitis
a disease in which the airways have become inflamed due to recurrent exposure to an inhaled irritant.
chronic fatigue syndrome
syndrome: a disorder of unknown cause that affects many body systems, with symptoms similar to those of fibromyalgia syndrome.
chronic kidney disease
the progressive loss of renal function over months or years.
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
a group of lung diseases in which the bronchial airflow is obstructed, making it hard to breathe.
chronic venous insufficiency
a condition in which venous circulation is inadequate due to partial vein blockage or leakage of venous valves.
cicatrix
a normal scar resulting from the healing of a wound.
cineradiography
the recording of fluoroscopy images.
circumcision
surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.
cirrhosis
a chronic degenerative disease of the liver characterized by scarring.
claustrophobia
abnormal fear of being in small or enclosed spaces.
cleft lip
a birth defect resulting in a deep groove of the lip running upward to the nose.
cleft palate
failure of the palate to close during the early development of the fetus that involves the upper lip, hard palate, and/or soft palate.
clinical trials
testing new treatments that have not yet received FDA approval on patients who agree to be part of the research.
closed fracture
a fracture in which the bone is broken but there is no open wound in the skin.
closed reduction
the attempted realignment of the bone involved in a fracture or joint dislocation.
closed-angle glaucoma
a type of glaucoma in which the opening between the cornea and iris narrows so that fluid cannot reach the trabecular meshwork.
Clostridium difficile
a bacterial infection common to older adults in hospitals or long-term care facilities.
clubbing
abnormal curving of the nails that is often accompanied by enlargement of the fingertips.
cluster headaches
intensely painful headaches that affect one side of the head and often occur in groups or clusters.
cochlear implant
an electronic device that bypasses the damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve.
cognition
the mental activities associated with thinking, learning, and memory.
cognitive behavioral therapy
treatment that focuses on changing cognitions or thoughts that are affecting a person’s emotions and actions.
colectomy
surgical removal of all or part of the colon.
collagen replacement therapy
a form of soft-tissue augmentation used to soften facial lines or scars, or to make lips appear fuller.
Colles’ fracture
a fracture at the lower end of the radius that occurs when a person tries to break a fall by landing on his or her hands.
colonoscopy
direct visual examination of the inner surface of the colon from the rectum to the cecum.
colorectal carcinoma
a common form of cancer that often first manifests itself in polyps in the colon.
colostomy
the surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the colon and the body surface.
colotomy
a surgical incision into the colon.
colpopexy
surgical fixation of the vagina to a surrounding structure.
colporrhaphy
surgical suturing of a tear in the vagina.
colporrhexis
tearing or laceration of the vaginal walls.
colposcopy
direct visual examination of the tissues of the cervix and vagina.
coma
a deep state of unconsciousness marked by the absence of spontaneous eye movements, no response to painful stimuli, and no vocalization.
comedo
a noninfected lesion formed by the buildup of sebum and keratin in a hair follicle.
comminuted fracture
a fracture in which the bone is splintered or crushed.
communicable disease
any condition that is transmitted from one person to another by either direct or indirect contact with contaminated objects.
community-acquired pneumonia
any pneumonia that results from contagious infection outside of a hospital or clinic.
compartment syndrome
the compression of nerves and blood vessels due to swelling within the enclosed space created by the fascia that separates groups of muscles.
complementary medicine
practices and systems of health care used to supplement allopathic medicine.
complete blood cell count
a series of blood tests performed as a group to evaluate several blood conditions.
compression fracture
a fracture in which the bone is pressed together on itself.
computed tomography
an imaging technique that uses a thin, fan-shaped x-ray beam to produce multiple cross-sectional views of the body.
concussion
a violent shaking up or jarring of the brain.
conductive hearing loss
a hearing loss in which sound waves are prevented from passing from the air to the fluid-filled inner ear.
congenital disorder
an abnormal condition that exists at the time of birth.
congenital heart defects
structural abnormalities caused by the failure of the heart to develop normally before birth.
conization
surgical removal of a cone-shaped section of tissue from the cervix.
conjunctivitis
inflammation of the conjunctiva, usually caused by an infection or allergy.
Conn’s syndrome
a disorder of the adrenal glands caused by the excessive production of aldosterone.
conscious
the state of being awake, alert, aware, and responding appropriately.
constipation
having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week.
contact dermatitis
a localized allergic response caused by contact with an irritant or allergen.
contraceptive
a measure taken or a device used to lessen the likelihood of pregnancy.
contracture
the permanent tightening of fascia, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or skin that occurs when normally elastic connective tissues are replaced with nonelastic fibrous tissues.
contraindication
a factor in the patient’s condition that makes the use of a medication or specific treatment dangerous or ill advised.
contrast medium
a substance used to make visible structures that are otherwise hard to see.
controlled substances
addictive prescription medicines and illegal drugs.
contusion
an injury to underlying tissues without breaking the skin, characterized by discoloration and pain.
conversion disorder
a condition characterized by a serious temporary or ongoing change in function, such as paralysis or blindness, triggered by psychological factors rather than any physical cause.
corneal abrasion
an injury, such as a scratch or irritation, to the outer layers of the cornea.
corneal transplant
the surgical replacement of a scarred or diseased cornea with clear corneal tissue from a donor.
corneal ulcer
a pitting of the cornea caused by an infection or injury.
coronary artery bypass graft
a surgical procedure in which a piece of vein from the leg is implanted on the heart to replace a blocked coronary artery.
coronary artery disease
atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries that reduces the blood supply to the heart muscle.
coronary thrombosis
damage to the heart muscle caused by a thrombus blocking a coronary artery.
corticosteroid drug
steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, and their synthetically produced equivalents.
cortisone
the synthetic equivalent of natural corticosteroids that are administered to suppress inflammation and to act as an immunosuppressant.
costochondritis
an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the sternum.
Coumadin
the brand name for warfarin, an anticoagulant administered to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger.
cover test
an exam of how the two eyes work together, used to assess binocular vision.
CPAP machine
a noninvasive ventilation device used in the treatment of sleep apnea.
cramp
a painful localized muscle spasm.
cranial hematoma
a collection of blood trapped in the tissues of the brain.
