Medical Terminology Flashcards
Ab
antibody
ABG
arterial blood gas
AC
acetyl; actinium
AD
to; toward
ad lib.
as desired
AFB
acid-fast bacilli
AFP
Alfa-fetoprotein
AMA
Americal Medical Association
AMI
acute myocardial infarction
AP view
antero-posterolateral view
ARDS
acute respiratory distress syndrome
AS
arteriosclerosis
ASD
atrial septal defect
ASHD
arteriosclerotic heart disease
AV
atrioventricular
B.I.D., b.i.d.
bis in die, twice a day
BM
bowel movement
BMR
basal metabolic rate
BP
blood pressure
BUN
Blood urea nitrogen
C.
contraction, concentration, carbon
CA
carcinoma cancer
CBC
Complete blood count
CCU
critical care unit
CDC
center for disease control
CEA
carcinoembryonic antigen; carotid endarterectomy
CHF
congestive heart failure
cm.
centimeter
CNS
central nervous system
COPD
chronic obstrictive pulmonary disease
CPD
cephalopelvic disproportion
CPR
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
C-section
cesarean section
CSF
cerebrospinal fluid
CT scan
computed tornography scan
CV
cardiovascular
CVA
cerebrovascular accident; costovertebral angle
CXR
Chest X-ray
D&C
Dilation and curettage - procedure in which the neck of the womb (cervix) is expanded and the lining of the uterus is scraped to remove pregnancy tissue or abnormal tissue.
DES
diethylstillbestrol - A synthetic nonsteroidal estrogenic compound. Sometimes used as a postcoital antipregnancy agent to prevent implantation of the fertilized oocyte. The first demonstrated transplacental carcinogen responsible for a delayed clear cell vaginal carcinoma in female offspring of mothers who took the drug during pregnancy when the drug was erroneously thought to prevent threatened abortion
diff
Differential
DM
dopamine - An intermediate in tyrosine metabolism and precursor of norepinephrine and epinephrine; neurotransmitter is the peripheral and central nervous systems; depletion of dopamine produces Parkinson disease.
DNA
deoxyribonucleic acid
DO
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
DOB
Date of Birth
DOE
dyspnea on exertion
DPT
diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (vaccine).
DVT
deep vein thrombosis
Dx
diagnosis
EBV
epstein-barr virus associated with mononucleosis
ECG
electrocardiogram
EKG
electrocardiogram
EDC
expired date of confinement
EEG
elctroencephalogram - record obtained by means of the electroencephalogram
EENT
Eye, ear, nose and throat
EMG
electromyogram - graphic respresentation of electric currents associated with muscular action
ENT
Ears, nose, and throat
EOMI
extraocular movements intact ( see eye movement )
ESR
erythrocyte sedimentation rate, electron spine resonance
F.
fluorine/function
FACP
Fellow of American College of Physicans (ACP)- your doctor provides high quality health care
FACS
fluoresence-activated cell sorter - A machine that can separate and analyze cells, such as lymphocytes, which are labeled with fluorochrome-conjugated antibody, by their fluorescence and light scattering patterns.
FDA
Food and drug administration of the US Dept of Health and Human Services
FUO
fever of unknown origin
FVC
forced vital capacity
GC
gonorrhea - A contagious catarrhal inflammation of the genital mucous membrane, transmitted chiefly by coitus and due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae; may involve the lower or upper genital tract, especially the urethra, endocervix, and uterine tubes, or spread to the peritoneum and rarely to the heart, joints, or other structures by way of the bloodstream.
GI
gingival index / gastrointestinal
gm.
gram - Avoid using this obsolete abbreviation. Former abbreviation for gram
gtt.
glucose tolerance test
HCG
human chorionic genoadotropin
HDL
high density lipoprotein
Hg
mercury
h.s.
before sleep / at bedtime
Hct
hemocrit - percentage of volume of a blood sample
ICU
intensive care unit
I & D
incision and drainage
IM
intramuscular
I.V.
intervenous
IVP
intervenous pyelography or pyelogram
kg.
kilogram or 1000grams
KUB
kidneys, ureters, bladder; archaic term for plain frontal supine radiograph of the abdomen but still used
LAT, lat.
lateral
lb.
pound
LDL
low density lipoprotein
LLQ
left lower quadrant
LMP
last menstrual period; left mentoposterior position (cephalif presentation of fetus with chin pointing in this direction)
LP
lumbar puncture
LPN
licensed practical nurse
LUQ
left upper quadrant
mcg.
microgram
MCH
mean corpuscular hemoglobin- the hemoglobin content of the average red blood cell(RBC), calculated from the hemoglobin therein and the RBC count, in RBC indices.
MCHC
mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
MCV
mean corpuscular volume- the average volume of red cells, calculated from the hematocrit and the red cell count, in erythrocyte indices.
MPV
mean platelet volume- average size of platelets found in blood and is typically included in blood tests as part of the CBC
M.D.
medical doctor
MI
myocardial infarction
NPO
non per os or nil per os, nothing by mouth
NSAID
nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, under drug, aspirin ibuprofen
OA
occpitoanterior position
OB
obstetrics - speciality of medicine concerned with care of women during pregnancy, parturition and the puerperium
OC
oral contraceptive
OD
right eye; Doctor of optometry, officer of the day, or overdose, or optic density
OR
operating room
Ortho
straight or erect (teeth bones)
OS
left eye
OU
eye
P
pupil/probability/protein/phosphorous
PAP
Papanicolaou smear
P.E.
pulmonary embolism
pH
symbol of negative decadic logarithm of H+ ion concentration
PKU
phenylketonuria - Autosomal recessively inherited inborn error of metabolism of phenylalanine characterized by deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase
PMN
polymorphonuclear lekocyte
PND
paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, postnasal drip
P.O.
per os. by mouth
poly
many
p.r.n.
L. pro re nata, as the occasion arises, as necessary
PT
phsyical therapy
P.T.
physical therapist
PVC
premature ventricular contraction
q. 2 hours
every 2 hours
qns
quantity not sufficient
RBC
red blood cell, red blood cell count
REM
rapid eye movements, under movement
RLQ
right lower quadrant (of abdomen)
R.N.
registered nurse
RNA
ribonucleic acid
ROM
range of motion
RUQ
right upper quadrant
Rx
prescription
SLE
systemic lupus erythematosus - an inflammatory connective tissue disease with variable features, frequently including fever, weakness and fatigability, joint pains or arthritis resembling rheumatoid arthritis, diffuse erythematous skin lesions on the face, neck, or upper extremities, with liquefaction degeneration of the basal layer and epidermal atrophy, lymphadenopathy, pleurisy or pericarditis, glomerular lesions, anemia, hyperglobulinemia, and a positive LE cell test result, with serum antibodies to nuclear protein and sometimes to double-stranded DNA and other substances
SOB
shortness of breath
STD
sexually transmitted disease
TB
tuberculosis
TIA
transient ischemic attack
t.i.d.
times a day
tntc
too numerous to count
TPN
total parenteral nutrition - nutrition maintained entirely by central intravenous injection or other nongastrointestinal route.
TPR
total peripheral resistance - the total resistance to flow of blood in the systemic circuit; the quotient produced by dividing the mean arterial pressure by the cardiac minute-volume
TSH
thyroid stimulating hormone
UA
urinalysis
UGI
upper gastroinestinal series
URI
upper respiratory infection
UTI
urinary tract infection
UV
ultraviolet - denotating electromagnetic rays at higher frequence than the vilet end of visible spectrum
VA
ventriculoatrial
VLDL
very low desnity lipoprotein
VSD
ventricular septal defect
WBC
whice blood count
Wt.
weight
abduct/abductor
to move away from the median plane
adduct/ adductor
to move toward the median plane
afebrile
without fever
amniocentesis
transabdominal aspriation of fluid from amniotic sac
anaerobic
living without dioxygen
anesthesia
loss of bodily sensation resulting from pharmacologic depression of nerve function or from neurogenic
anesthetic
a drug that causes temporary loss of bodily sensations
angiogram
an X-ray representation of blood vessels made after the injection of a radiopaque substance
angioplasty
an operation to repair a damaged blood vessel or unblock a coronary artery
antipyretic
any medicine that lowers body temperature to prevent or alleviate fever
aphasia
inability to use or understand language (spoken or written
appendectomy
surgical removal of the vermiform appendix
appendicitis
inflammation of the vermiform appendix
arteriosclerosis
sclerosis of the arterial walls
atrophy
a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse
bacteremia
transient presence of bacteria in circuting blood
biopsy
process of removing tissue from patients for diagnostic examination
bradycardia
abnormally slow heartbeat
carcinogenic
causing or tending to cause cancer
carcinoma
any malignant tumor derived from epithelial tissue; one of the four major types of cancer
cardiologist
a specialist in cardiology; a specialist in the structure and function and disorders of the heart
cardiomegaly
an abnormal enlargement of the heart
cephalic
of or relating to the head
colostomy
a surgical operation that creates an opening from the colon to the surface of the body to function as an anus
cryptorchidism
failure of one or both testes to move into the scrotum as the male fetus develops
cutaneous
relating to or existing on or affecting the skin
cyanosis
a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes
dermatitis
inflammation of the skin; skin becomes itchy and may develop blisters
dermatologist
a doctor who specializes in the physiology and pathology of the skin
dermatome
he area of skin supplied by cutaneous branches of a single cranial or spinal nerve; neighboring dermatomes can overlap
diplopia
visual impairment in which an object is seen as two objects
dysphagia
condition in which swallowing is difficult or painful
ectopic
Out of place; said of an organ not in its proper position, or of a pregnancy occurring elsewhere than in the cavity of the uterus
edema
swelling from excessive accumulation of watery fluid in cells
electroencephalogram
a graphical record of electrical activity of the brain; produced by an electroencephalograph
emesis
the reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth
encephalitis
inflammation of the brain usually caused by a virus; symptoms include headache and neck pain and drowsiness and nausea and fever (`phrenitis’ is no longer in scientific use
encephalotomy
diessction or incision of the brain
erythrocyte
a mature blood cell that contains hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the bodily tissues; a biconcave disc that has no nucleus
erythrocytosis
increase in the number of circulating red cells above the gender-specific normal level.
euthyroid
normal thyroid function
excision
The act of cutting out; the surgical removal of part or all of a structure or organ.
hematemesis
vomiting blood
hemolysis
lysis of erythrocytes with the release of hemoglobin
hemophilia
congenital tendency to uncontrolled bleeding; usually affects males and is transmitted from mother to son
hemophiliac
someone who has hemophilia and is subject to uncontrollable bleeding
hemorrhage
the flow of blood from a ruptured blood vessel
hernia
rupture in smooth muscle tissue through which a bodily structure protrudes
histology
the branch of biology that studies the microscopic structure of animal or plant tissues
hyperglycemia
abnormally high blood sugar usually associated with diabetes
hyperparathyroidism
excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone resulting in abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood; can affect many systems of the body (especially causing bone resorption and osteoporosis
hypersecretion
excessive secretion
hyperthermia
abnormally high body temperature; sometimes induced (as in treating some forms of cancer
hypocalcemia
abnormally low level of calcium in the blood; associated with hypoparathyroidism or kidney malfunction or vitamin D deficiency
hypoglycemia
abnormally low blood sugar usually resulting from excessive insulin or a poor diet
hypopara- thyroidism
eficiency of parathyroid hormone in the body also : the resultant abnormal state marked by low serum calcium and a tendency to chronic tetany.
hyposecretion
production of a bodily secretion at an abnormally slow rate or in abnormally small quantities
hypothyroidism
an underactive thyroid gland; a glandular disorder resulting from insufficient production of thyroid hormones
incontinence
involuntary urination or defecation
inflammation
a response of body tissues to injury or irritation; characterized by pain and swelling and redness and heat
intradermal
relating to areas between the layers of the skin
intramuscular
within a muscle
intravenous
within or by means of a vein
leukemia
malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissues; characterized by abnormal proliferation of leukocytes; one of the four major types of cancer
leukocyte
blood cells that engulf and digest bacteria and fungi; an important part of the body’s defense system
lipoma
a tumor consisting of fatty tissue
lithiasis
the formation of stones (calculi of biliart or urinary)
lithotripsy
The crushing of a stone in the renal pelvis, calyces, ureter, or bladder, by mechanical force, laser, or focused sound energy.
lumpectomy
surgical removal of a tumor without removing much of the surrounding tissue or lymph nodes; performed in some cases of breast cancer
lymphatic
of or relating to or produced by lymph
malabsorption
abnormal absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract
malignant
dangerous to health; characterized by progressive and uncontrolled growth (especially of a tumor
mammography
a diagnostic procedure to detect breast tumors by the use of X rays
mastectomy
surgical removal of a breast to remove a malignant tumor
mastitis
inflammation of a breast (or udder
melanoma
any of several malignant neoplasms (usually of the skin) malignant neoplasm, derived from cells that are capable of forming melanin
mononuclear
having only one nucleus
mucoid
any of several glycoproteins similar to mucin
mucus
protective secretion of the mucous membranes; in the gut it lubricates the passage of food and protects the epithelial cells; in the nose and throat and lungs it can make it difficult for bacteria to penetrate the body through the epithelium
necrosis
the localized death of living cells (as from infection or the interruption of blood supply
neonatology
that branch of pediatric medicine concerned with the newborn; the diagnosis and treatment of neonates
neoplasm
An abnormal tissue that grows by cellular proliferation more rapidly than normal and continues to grow after the stimuli that initiated the new growth cease. Neoplasms show partial or complete lack of structural organization and functional coordination with the normal tissue, and usually form a distinct mass of tissue that may be either benign
nephrotic
relating to, caused by, or similar to nephrosis
neural
of or relating to the nervous system
neuralgia
acute spasmodic pain along the course of one or more nerves
neurologist
a medical specialist in the nervous system and the disorders affecting it
neurosis
a mental or personality disturbance not attributable to any known neurological or organic dysfunction
nullipara
a woman who has never borne a child
oophorosalphitis
inflammation of ovary and oviduct
hysterecomy
removal of the uterus
ophthalmic
of or relating to ophthalmology
ophthalmologist
a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eye
ophthalmoscope
medical instrument for examining the retina of the eye
orthopnea
form of dyspnea in which the person can breathe comfortably only when standing or sitting erect; associated with asthma and emphysema and angina pectoris
osteoarthritis
chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints; the most common form of arthritis occurring usually after middle age
osteomalacia
abnormal softening of bones caused by deficiencies of phosphorus or calcium or vitamin D
otic/ otitis
relating to the ear
otoscope
medical instrument consisting of a magnifying lens and light; used for examining the external ear (the auditory meatus and especially the tympanic membrane
pathogenic
able to cause disease
peritoneal
of or relating to or affecting the peritoneum
pheresis
a procedure in which blood is drawn and separated into its components by dialysis; some are retained and the rest are returned to the donor by transfusion
phlebitis
inflammation of a vein (usually in the legs
photophobia
intolerance of light, abnormal fear of light
polydipsia
excessive thirst (as in cases of diabetes or kidney dysfunction
postpartum
occurring immediately after birth
prepartum
before child birth
prerenal
anterior to the kidney
primigravida
pre pregnancy
proteinuria
the presence of excessive protein (chiefly albumin but also globulin
psychogenic
of or relating to the psychological cause of a disorder
ptosis
drooping of the upper eyelid caused by muscle paralysis and weakness
pyogenic
producing pus
pyromaniac
a person with a mania for setting things on fire
quadriplegic
a person who is paralyzed in both arms and both legs
sclerosis
any pathological hardening or thickening of tissue in intestines
subcutaneous
relating to or located below the epidermis
syndrome
combination of symptoms resulting from a single cause or commonly occuring together to constitute a clinical picture
tachycardia
abnormally rapid heartbeat (over 100 beats per minute
tonsillectomy
surgical removal of the palatine tonsils; commonly performed along with adenoidectomy
tonsillitis
inflammation of the tonsils (especially the palatine tonsils
tracheostomy
operation to make an opening into the trachea
tracheotomy
operation of incising the trachea, usually intended to be temporary
tricuspid
having three cusps or points (especially a molar tooth) valve in heart on right side between atrium and ventricle
unilateral
involving only one part or side
xanthosis
A yellowish discoloration of degenerating tissues, especially seen in malignant neoplasms.
abrasion
an abraded area where the skin is torn or worn off
adrenal
either of a pair of complex endocrine glands situated near the kidney
anemia
a deficiency of red blood cells
anterior
In human anatomy, denoting the front surface of the body; often used to indicate the position of one structure relative to another, i.e., situated nearer the front part of the body.
anterolateral
in front and away from middle line
anteromedian
in front and in the central line
anteroposterior
in both front and rear
anterosuperior
in both front and above
antibody
any of a large variety of proteins normally present in the body or produced in response to an antigen which it neutralizes
anticoagulant
medicine that prevents or retards the clotting of blood
anuria
inability to urinate
ascites
accumulation of serous fluid in peritoneal cavity
blepharitis
inflammation of the eyelids characterized by redness and swelling and dried crusts
blepharospasm
spasm of the eyelid muscle resulting in closure of the eye
caudad
in a direction towards the tail;situated nearer the tail;
centrifuge
an apparatus that uses centrifugal force to separate particles from a suspension
cephalic
of or relating to the head
coagulation
the process of forming semisolid lumps in a liquid; clotting
contusion
an injury that doesn’t break the skin but results in some discoloration breaking capillaries of skin
cranial
of or relating to the cranium which encloses the brain
dacryocystitis
inflammation of the lacrimal sac causing obstruction of the tube draining tears into the nose
dacryolithiasis
creation of dacryoliths: which are => Concretions found in the lacrimal apparatus, in the puncta or canaliculi which it may occlude. The concretions are usually composed of epithelial cells, lipid, nonspecific debris as well as calcium.
dactylography
study of fingerprints
distal
situated farthest from point of attachment or origin
dorsal
belonging to or on or near the back or upper surface of an animal or organ or part
erythropoietin
a glycoprotein secreted by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells
exocrine
a gland that secretes externally through a duct
hematuria
the presence of blood in the urine; often a symptom of urinary tract disease
hemodialysis
dialysis of the blood to remove toxic substances or metabolic wastes from the bloodstream; used in the case of kidney failure
homeostasis
state if equilibrium
hydrocephalus
an abnormal condition in which cerebrospinal fluid collects in the ventricles of the brain; in infants it can cause abnormally rapid growth of the head and bulging fontanelles and a small face; in adults the symptoms are primarily neurological
immunocompromised
unable to develop a normal immune response usually because of malnutrition or immunodeficiency or immunosuppressive therapy
immunodeficiency
immunological disorder in which some part of the body’s immune system is inadequate and resistance to infectious diseases is reduced
incision
a depression scratched or carved into a surface
inferior
situated below or directed downward
interstitial
relating to spaces or interstices in any structure, tissue or organ but not body cavities
intracellular
located or occurring within a cell or cells
lacrimal
of or relating to tears, their secretion, the secretory glands, and the draining apparatus
lacrimation
secretion of tears, especially in excess
laparoscope
a slender endoscope inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall in order to examine the abdominal organs or to perform minor surgery
lateral
on the side, farther from the median
leukocytosis
an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood as a result of infection (as in leukemia
leukopenia
an abnormal lowering of the white blood cell count
lymph
a clear, transparent, sometimes faintly yellow and slightly opalescent fluid that is collected from the tissues throughout the body, flows in the lympathic vessels and is eventually added to the venous blood circulation
medial
nearer to the midline of the body
midsagittal plane
flat surface determined by the position of three points in space => obsolete term, please use median plane
mucolytic
capable of dissolving, digesting, or liquefying mucus
onychomycosis
very common fungus infections of the nails, causing thickening, roughness, and splitting often caused by trichophyton rubum
pallor
unnatural lack of color in the skin (as from bruising or sickness or emotional distress
peritoneum
a transparent membrane that lines the abdominal cavity in mammals and covers most of the viscera
peritonitis
inflammation of the peritoneum
phagocyte
a cell that engulfs and digests debris and invading microorganisms
plasma
the colorless watery fluid of the blood and lymph that contains no cells
platelets
tiny bits of protoplasm found in vertebrate blood; essential for blood clotting
posterior
denoting the back surface of the body
proximal
situated nearest to point of attachment or origin
retro
backward or behind
sialography
radiography of the salivary glands and ducts after the introduction of contrast medium in the ducts
thoracentesis
removal of fluid from the chest by centesis for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
thoracic/thorax
relating to thorax, upper part of trunk between neck and the abdomen
thoracotomy
surgical incision into the chest walls opening up the pleural cavity
thrombopenia
a blood disease characterized by an abnormally small number of platelets in the blood
thrombus
a blood clot formed within a blood vessel and remaining attached to its place of origin
thrombosis
the formation or presence of a thrombus (a clot of coagulated blood attached at the site of its formation
umbilical
membranous duct connecting the fetus with the placenta; relating to the umbilicus
ventral
toward or on or near the belly (front of a primate or lower surface of a lower animal
arthritis / arthralgia
inflammation of a joint or state characterized by inflammation of the joint
arthrocentesis
removal of fluid from a joint by centesis / needle puncture
arthrodynia
pain in a joint
arthroscopy
a minimally invasive operation to repair a damaged joint; the surgeon examines the joint with an arthroscope while making repairs through a small incision
articulation
joint / joining or connecting together loosely to allow motion between parts
bursa
closed sac or envolope lined with synovial membrane and containing synovial fluid usually found or formed in areas subject to friction
bursitis
inflammation of a bursa; frequently in the shoulder
carpal tunnel
the osseofibrous passage for the median nerve and flexor tendons
cerebrospinal
of or relating to the brain and spinal cord
cervical
relating to neck, cervix in any sense
chondrocostal
relating to costal cartilages or ribs
claudication
limping or walking with difficulty
facial
cranial nerve that supplies facial muscles
fascia
a sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue separating or binding together muscles and organs etc
femoral
of or relating to or near the femur or thigh
fibula
the outer and thinner of the two bones of the human leg between the knee and ankle
hematopoiesis
the formation of blood cells in the living body (especially in the bone marrow
herniated
denoating any structure protruded through a hernial opening
hyperuricemia
enhanced blood concentration of uric acid
iliac
of or relating to the ilium
iliopubic
relating to iliopubic tract - thickened band of fibers curving over the external iliac vessels at the spot where they become femoral on the abdominal side of the inguinal ligaments
inguinal
of or relating to or near the groin
intercostal
muscles between the ribs; they contract during inspiration
intervertebral
pertaining to the space between two vertebrae
ischial
relating to or situated in the neighborhood of the ischium or hip
ischium
one of the three sections of the hipbone; situated below the ilium
kyphosis
an abnormal backward curve to the vertebral column
laminectomy
surgical removal of the bony arches on one or more vertebrae
ligament
a sheet or band of tough fibrous tissue connecting bones or cartilages or supporting muscles or organs
lumbar
relating to the loins, or part of the back and sides between the ribs and the pelvis
metacarpal
any bone of the hand between the wrist and fingers
metacarpophalangeal
relating to the metacarpus and phalanges; denoting articulation between them
metatarsal
any bone of the foot between the ankle and the toes
musculoskeletal
relating to muscles and skeleton
myalgia
pain in a muscle or group of muscles
myopathy
any abnormal condition or disease of the muscular tissues; commonly designates a disorder invovling skeletal muscle
orthopedics
the branch of medical science concerned with disorders or deformities of the spine and joints
osteitis
inflammation of a bone as a consequence of infection or trauma or degeneration
osteochondritis
inflammation of a bone and its overlying articular cartilage
osteomyelitis
an inflammation of bone and bone marrow (usually caused by bacterial infection
osteoporosis
Reduction in the quantity of bone or atrophy of skeletal tissue; an age-related disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and loss of normal skeletal microarchitecture, leading to increased susceptibility to fractures.
paraplegia
paralysis of the lower half of the body (most often as a result of trauma
patellofemoral
of relation to the patella or femur
phalanges
any of the bones of the fingers or toes
polyarthritis
simultaneous inflammation of several joints
rheumatoid
of or pertaining to arthritis
scoliosis
an abnormal lateral curve to the vertebral column
sesamoid
denoting a small nodular bone embedded in a tendon or joint capsule.
spondylarthritis
arthritis that affects one or more of the intervertebral joints in the spine
sprain
a painful injury to a joint caused by a sudden wrenching of its ligaments
sternocostal
relating to sternum and the ribs
strain
to make an effort to limit of one’s strength
subarachnoid
underneath the arachnoid membrane
substernal
deep to the sternum or below sternum
synovial
relating to or secreting synovia relating to limb joints
tarsal
relating to bones in the feet
tendon
a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
tendonitis
inflammation of a tendon
thorax
the middle region of the body of an arthropod between the head and the abdomen
tibia
the inner and thicker of the two bones of the human leg between the knee and ankle
ulnar
pertaining to the ulna or to the ulnar (medial) aspect of the upper limb as compared tothe radial (lateral) aspect.
vertebra
one of the bony segments of the spinal column
aneurysm
a cardiovascular disease characterized by a saclike widening of an artery resulting from weakening of the artery wall
angina pectoris
acute pain in the chest resulting from myocardial ischemia(decreased blood supply to the heart muscle); the condition has also been calledcardiac pain of effort and emotion because the pain is brought on by physical activityor emotional stress that places an added burden on the heart and increases the needfor blood being supplied to the myocardium. Some patients can predict the kinds ofevents that will precipitate an attack while others are unaware of any relationshipbetween onset of an attack and any particular situation in their lives.
angiography
roentgenographic examination of blood vessels after injection of a radiopaque contrast medium; produces an angiogram
angioma
a tumor consisting of a mass of blood or lymphatic vessels
aortic
Relating to the aorta or the aortic orifice of the left ventricle of the heart
aortogram
The image or set of images resulting from aortography.
arrhythmia
Loss or abnormality of rhythm; denoting especially an irregularity of the heartbeat. See also entries under rhythm. Cf.: dysrhythmia.
arterial
relating to one or more arteries or the entire system of arteries
arteriole
one of the small thin-walled arteries that end in capillaries which causes the body to get rid of excess water
arteriosclerosis
Hardening of the arteries; types generally recognized are: atherosclerosis, Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis, and arteriolosclerosis.
arteritis
inflammation of an artery
artery
a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body
atria
any chamber that is connected to other chambers or passageways (especially one of the two upper chambers of the heart
atrioventricular
relating to or affecting the atria and ventricles of the heart
atrium
any chamber that is connected to other chambers or passageways (especially one of the two upper chambers of the heart
bicupid
having two cusps;
bypass
To create new flow from one structure to another through a diversionary channel. ; shunt or auxillary flow
capillaries
a tube of small internal diameter; holds liquid by capillary action
cardiomyopathy
Disease of the myocardium. As a disease classification, the term is used in several different senses, but is limited by the World Health Organization to: “Primary disease process of heart muscle in absence of a known underlying etiology” when referring to idiopathic cardiomyopathy.
cardiopulmonary
of or pertaining to or affecting both the heart and the lungs and their functions
cardiovascular
of or pertaining to or involving the heart and blood vessels
cardioversion
Restoration of the heart’s rhythm to normal by electrical countershock or by medications (chemical cardioversion).
cerebrovascular
of or relating to the brain and the blood vessels that supply it
congenital
present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development
coronary
Specifically, denoting the coronary blood vessels of the heart and, colloquially, coronary thrombosis.
cuspid
having but one cusp
defibrillation/defibrillator
The arrest of fibrillation of the cardiac muscle (atrial or ventricular) with restoration of the normal rhythm, if successful. / Any agent or measure, e.g., an electric shock, that arrests fibrillation of the ventricular muscle and restores the normal beat.
dysrhythmia
disturbence of rhythm such as brain waves or heartbeat
echocardiogram
a graphical image of the heart produced by an echocardiograph
echocardiography
a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to study to structure and motions of the heart
electrocardiogram
a graphical recording of the cardiac cycle produced by an electrocardiograph
electrocardiograph
medical instrument that records electric currents associated with contractions of the heart
embolus
a clot or other plug, usually part or all of a thrombus, brought by the blood from anothervessel and forced into a smaller one, thus obstructing circulation
endocarditis
inflammation of the endocardium and heart valves
fibrillation
muscular twitching involving individual muscle fibers acting without coordination
hemangioma
benign angioma consisting of a mass of blood vessels; some appear as birthmarks
hemorrhoids
venous swelling external or internal to the anal sphincter
hyperlipidemia
presence of excess lipids in the blood
hypertension
a common disorder in which blood pressure remains abnormally high (a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or greater
hypertrophy
abnormal enlargement of a body part or organ
hypotension
abnormally low blood pressure
infarction
localized necrosis resulting from obstruction of the blood supply
ischemia
local anemia in a given body part sometimes resulting from vasoconstriction or thrombosis or embolism
anoxia
severe hypoxia; absence of oxygen in inspired gases or in arterial blood or in the tissues
anastomosis
a natural or surgical joining of parts or branches of tubular structures so as to make or become continuous
antitussive
any medicine used to suppress or relieve coughing
apnea
transient cessation of respiration
atelectasis
collapse of an expanded lung (especially in infants) collapse of alveoli
bronchiectasis
Chronic dilation of bronchi or bronchioles as a sequel of inflammatory disease or obstruction often associated with heavy sputum production
bronchitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchi.
bronchodilator
a drug that relaxes and dilates the bronchial passageways and improves the passages of air into the lungs
diaphragm
the musculomembranous partition separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities.On its sides it is attached to the six lower ribs, at its front to the sternum, and at itsback to the spine. The esophagus, aorta, vena cava, and numerous nerves passthrough the diaphragm. When relaxed it is convex, but it flattens as it contracts duringinhalation, thereby enlarging the chest cavity and allowing for expansion of the lungs
dyspnea
difficult or labored respiration
endotracheal
within the trachea
hemopneumothorax
Accumulation of air and blood in the pleural cavity.
hyperpnea
increased rate and depth of breathing
hypoxia
Breathing that is deeper and more rapid than is normal at rest.
laryngitis
inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx; characterized by hoarseness or loss of voice and coughing
laryngoscopy
inspection of the larynx by means of larngoscope
lobectomy
surgical removal of a lobe from any organ of the body (as the lung or brain
orotracheal
pertaining to mouth and trachea
orthopnea
form of dyspnea in which the person can breathe comfortably only when standing or sitting erect; associated with asthma and emphysema and angina pectoris
pharyngitis
inflammation of the fauces and pharynx
pneumohemothorax
Accumulation of air and blood in the pleural cavity.
pneumonitis
inflammation of the lungs; caused by a virus or an allergic reaction
pneumothorax
abnormal presence of air in the pleural cavity resulting in the collapse of the lung; may be spontaneous (due to injury to the chest
rhinitis
an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose (usually associated with nasal discharge
rhinoplasty
Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery of the nose to correct form or function.
rhinorrhea
persistent watery mucus discharge from the nose (as in the common cold
tracheostomy
a surgical operation that creates an opening into the trachea with a tube inserted to provide a passage for air; performed when the pharynx is obstructed by edema or cancer or other causes
nasotracheal
pertaining to nose and trachea
tachypnea
very rapid respirations, seen especially in high fever when the body attempts to rid itselfof excess heat. The rate of respiration increases at a ratio of about eight breaths perminute for every degree Celsius above normal. Other causes include pneumonia,compensatory respiratory alkalosis as the body tries to “blow off” excess carbon dioxide,respiratory insufficiency, lesions in the respiratory control center of the brain, andsalicylate poisoning.
abscess
symptom consisting of a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
asepsis
A condition in which living pathogenic organisms are absent; a state of sterility
aspiration
Removal, by suction, of a gas, fluid, or tissue from a body cavity or organ from unusual accumulations, or from a container.
bacteriostatic
inhibiting or retarding the multiplication of bacteria.
bulla
A fluid-filled blister greater than 1 cm in diameter appearing as a circumscribed area of separation of the epidermis from the subepidermal structure (subepidermal bulla) or as a circumscribed area of separation of epidermal cells (intraepidermal bulla) caused by the presence of serum, or occasionally by an injected substance.

cellulitis
Cellulitis is a spreading bacterial infection just below the skin surface. It is mostcommonly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus.
contusion
an injury that doesn’t break the skin but results in some discoloration
debridement
surgical removal of foreign material and dead tissue from a wound in order to prevent infection and promote healing
furuncle
A localized pyogenic infection, most frequently by Staphylococcus aureus, originating deep in a hair follicle.
hematoma
a localized swelling filled with blood
icterus
yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by an accumulation of bile pigment (bilirubin
ichthyosis
any of several hereditary skin conditions characterized by the appearance ofdry, hyperkeratotic skin that closely resembles fish scales. The condition developsshortly after birth, but an acquired, uncommon type that accompanies multiplemyeloma or lymphoma may develop in adults. In some conditions, lactic acid orbath oils may provide temporary relief from symptoms.
induration
any pathological hardening or thickening of tissue
integument
an outer protective covering such as the skin of an animal or a cuticle or seed coat or rind or shell
keloid
raised pinkish scar tissue at the site of an injury; results from excessive tissue repair

macule
a patch of skin that is discolored but not usually elevated; caused by various diseases

nodule
a small node in the skin of up to 1.0 cm in diameter, solid, with palpable depth; a pulmonary or pleural lesion seen on a radiograph image

papule
A circumscribed, solid elevation up to 1 cm in diameter on the skin. A papule may be pedunculated, sessile, or filiform.

pediculosis
infestation with lice (Pediculus humanus
petechiae
a minute red or purple spot on the surface of the skin as the result of tiny hemorrhages of blood vessels in the skin (as in typhoid fever
plaque
A patch or small differentiated area on a body surface (e.g., skin, mucosa, or arterial endothelium) or on the cut surface of an organ such as the brain; in skin, a circumscribed, elevated, superficial, and solid area exceeding 1 cm in diameter.

pustule
A circumscribed, superficial elevation of the skin, up to 1 cm in diameter, containing purulent material.

sebaceous
Relating to sebum; oily; fatty.
sebum
the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands; with perspiration it moistens and protects the skin
ulcer
a circumscribed inflammatory and often suppurating lesion on the skin or an internal mucous surface resulting in necrosis of tissue

urticaria
an itchy skin eruption characterized by weals with pale interiors and well-defined red margins; usually the result of an allergic response to insect bites or food or drugs
vesicle
a small anatomically normal sac or bladderlike structure (especially one containing fluid

xerosis
Pathologic dryness of the skin (xeroderma), the conjunctiva (xerophthalmia), or mucous membranes.
adenoma
a benign epithelial tumor of glandular origin
agoraphobia
a morbid fear of open spaces (as fear of being caught alone in some public place
akinesia
motionlessness attributable to a temporary paralysis ; Absence or loss of the power of voluntary movement, due to an extrapyramidal disorder.
analgesic
a medicine used to relieve pain
cephalalgia
pain in the head caused by dilation of cerebral arteries or muscle contractions or a reaction to drugs
craniotomy
a surgical opening through the skull
exophoria
Tendency of the eyes to deviate outward when fusion is suspended.
euthyroid
having a normally functioning thyroid gland.
exophthalmos
protrusion of the eyeball from the socket
goiter
abnormally enlarged thyroid gland; can result from underproduction or overproduction of hormone or from a deficiency of iodine in the diet
ophthalmology
the branch of medicine concerned with the eye and its diseases
polyphagia
having a normally functioning thyroid gland.
hemiplegia
paralysis of one side of the body
hyperinsulinism
Increased levels of insulin in the plasma due to increased secretion of insulin by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets; decreased hepatic removal of insulin is a cause in some patients, although hyperinsulinism usually is associated with insulin resistance and is commonly found in obesity in association with varying degrees of hyperglycemia.
hyperopia
abnormal condition in which vision for distant objects is better than for near objects
hyperthyroidism
an overactive thyroid gland; pathologically excessive production of thyroid hormones or the condition resulting from excessive production of thyroid hormones
hypoglycemia
abnormally low blood sugar usually resulting from excessive insulin or a poor diet
albuminuria
the presence of excessive protein (chiefly albumin but also globulin
anorexia
a prolonged disorder of eating due to loss of appetite
antiemetic
a drug that prevents or alleviates nausea and vomiting
cholecystectomy
surgical removal of the gall bladder (usually for relief of gallstone pain
cholecystitis
inflammation of the gall bladder
choledochal
relating to common bile duct
choledocholithiasis
Presence of a stone in the common bile duct.
cholelithiasis
Presence of concretions in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
cholestasis
a condition in which little or no bile is secreted or the flow of bile into the digestive tract is obstructed
colonoscopy
Visual examination of the inner surface of the colon by means of a colonoscope.
diverticulitis
inflammation of a diverticulum in the digestive tract (especially the colon
dyspepsia
a disorder of digestive function characterized by discomfort or heartburn or nausea
emetics
a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting
hiatal hernia
Protrusion of a part or structure through the tissues normally containing it.
hepatotoxic
toxic to the liver
hepatitis
inflammation of the liver caused by a virus or a toxin
amenorrhea
absence or suppression of normal menstrual flow
antepartum
occurring or existing before birth
conization
Excision of a cone of tissue, e.g., mucosa of the cervix uteri.
contraceptive
an agent or device intended to prevent pregnancy
dysmenorrhea
painful menstruation
hysterectomy
surgical removal of the uterus
implantation
Attachment of the blastocyst to the endometrium, and its subsequent embedding in the compact layer, occurring 6-7 days after fertilization of the oocyte in humans.
laparotomy
surgical incision into the abdominal wall; often done to examine abdominal organs
menopause
the time in a woman’s life in which the menstrual cycle ends
menorrhagia
abnormally heavy or prolonged menstruation; can be a symptom of uterine tumors and can lead to anemia if prolonged
menses
the monthly discharge of blood from the uterus of nonpregnant women from puberty to menopause
menstruation
the monthly discharge of blood from the uterus of nonpregnant women from puberty to menopause
metrorrhagia
bleeding from the uterus that is not due to menstruation; usually indicative of disease (as cervical cancer
oophorectomy
surgical removal of one of both ovaries
orchidectomy
surgical removal of one or both testicles
orchiditis
inflammation of testes
orchiopexy
operation to bring an undescended testicle into the scrotum
prenatal
occurring or existing before birth
prostatitis
inflammation of the prostate gland characterized by perineal pain and irregular urination and (if severe
salpingitis
inflammation of a Fallopian tube (usually the result of infection spreading from the vagina or uterus
vaginitis
inflammation of the vagina (usually associated with candidiasis
vasectomy
surgical procedure that removes all or part of the vas deferens (usually as a means of sterilization
cystitis
inflammation of the urinary bladder and ureters
cystoscopy
The inspection of the interior of the bladder by means of a cystoscope.
cystourethrogram
a radiograph produced by cystourethrography. : radiography of the urinary bladder and urethra. chain cystourethrography that in which a sterile beaded metal chain is introduced via a modified catheter into the bladder and urethra; used in evaluating anatomical relationships of the bladder and urethra.
diuresis
increased secretion of urine; if not due to increased liquid intake or to the action of a diuretic drug it can be a symptom of diabetes mellitus
diuretic
any substance that tends to increase the flow of urine ; Promoting excretion of urine
enuresis
inability to control the flow of urine and involuntary urination
glomerulonephritis
nephritis marked by inflammation of the glomeruli of the kidney; characterized by decreased production of urine and by the presence of blood and protein in the urine and by edema
glycosuria
presence of abnormally high sugar in the urine
nephrolithiasis
the presence of kidney stones ; Presence of renal calculi.
nephromalacia
Softening of the kidneys.
nephrotoxic
toxic to the kidney ; toxic to renal cells
oliguria
abnormally small production of urine; can be a symptom of kidney disease or obstruction of the urinary tract or edema or an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes in the body
polyuria
renal disorder characterized by the production of large volumes of pale dilute urine; often associated with diabetes
pyelogram
radiograph or series of radiographs of renal pelvis and ureter, injection of contrast medium
pyuria
presence of white blood cells or pus in the urine; symptom of urinary tract infection
proteinuria
the presence of excessive protein (chiefly albumin but also globulin
renal
of or relating to the kidneys
uremia
An excess of urea and other nitrogenous waste in the blood.