Medical Terminology Condensed Flashcards
cephal/o
head
cervic/-o
neck
thorac/o-
chest or thorax
abdomin/o-
abdomen
celi/o-
abdomen
lepar/o-
abdominal wall
lumb/o-
lower back, lumbar region
periton, peritone/o-
peritoneum
acro
extremity, end
brachi/o-
arm
dactyl/o-
finger, toe
ped/o
foot
pod/o-
foot
circum
around
peri
around
intra
in, within
epi-
on, over
extra-
outside
infra-
below
sub-
below, under
inter-
between
juxta-
near, beside
para
near, beside
retro-
backward, behind
supra-
above
the muscle that separates the thoracic from the abdominal cavity
diaphragm
the large serous membrane that lines the abdomino pelvic cavitty and cover the organs with it
peritoneum
digit (didgital)
finger, toe (didgital=adjective)
the central opening within a tube or hollow organ
lumen
os
mouth, opening
septum
a wall dividing two cavities
sinus
a cavity, as within a bone
sphincter
a circular muscle that regulates an opening
epigastrum
the epigastric region
the base or body of a hollow organ, the area of an organ farthest from its opening
fundus
hypochondrium
the hypochondriac region (left or right)
meatus
passage or opening
orfice
the opening of a cavity
frontal/coronal plane
divides the body into front and back
saggital plane
divides the body into left and right
transverse/horizontal plane
divides the body into top and bottom
superior
towards the top
inferior
towards the bottom
anterior
towards the front
posterior
towards the back
ventral
towards or at the front
dorsal
towards or at the back
proximal
close to the point of attachment
distal
far from the point of attachment
cranial
towards the head
caudal
towards the tail
medial
towards the midline of the body
lateral
towards the sides to the body
external
closer to the surface of the body
deep
closer to the center of the body
right hypochondriac region
right side of the abdomen under the ribs
left hypochondriac region
left side of abdomen under the ribs
epigastric region
center of the upper abdomen
left lumbar region
left side of the abdomen in front of the lumbar spine
right lumbar region
right side of abdomen in front of the lumbar spine
umbilical region
center of the abdomen at the umbilicus
left iliac region
left side of the abdomen in front of the iliac
right iliac region
right side of the abdomen in front of the pelvic region
ventral cavity
body cavity that includes the entire front of the body
dorsal cavity
body cavity that includes entire back of the body
thoracic cavity
body cavity that includes the organs of the chest
abdominal cavity
body cavity that includes the organs of the abdomen
pelvic cavity
body cavity that includes the pelvic organs
spinal cavity
body cavity that includes the spinal cord
cranial cavity
body cavity that includes the brain
ccephalic
refers to the head
crainal
refers to the skull
facial
refers to the face
thoracic
refers to the chest
brachial
refers to the arm
antebrachial
refers to the forearm
carpal
refers to the wrist
manual
refers to the hand
femoral
refers to the thigh
crural
refers to the leg
pedal
refers to the foor
upper extremity
includes arm, forearm, wrist, and hand
lower extremity
includes thigh, leg, foot
frontal
refers to the forehead
ocular
refers to eye
oral
mouth
mammary
refers to the breast
axillary
armpit
antecubital
inner elbow
umbilical
navel (belly button)
inguinal
groin
pubis
pubic area
palmar
palm
phalangeal
finers or toes
patellar
kneecap
acromial
shoulder
laeral abdominal
refers to the flank
iliac
the hip
sural
the calf
calcaneal
the heel
parietal
the crown of the head
occipital
base of the skull
cervical
neck
deltoid
shoulder
scapular
shoulder blade
lumbar
small of the back
sacral
base of the spine
gluteal
refers to the buttocks
popliteal
refers to the back
plantar
the sole of the foot
anatomic position
standing erect facing forwards palm facing front
decubitus position
lying down, usually qualified by part of the body touching the table (ventral or dorsal)
dorsal recumbent psition
on back, knees bent, feet separated
fowler postion
similiar to knee ches with back or stomach supported
knee chest psition
on knees head resting on forearms
lateral recumbent position
on either side with knee bent
lithotomy positon
on back, legs flexed toward abdomen, thighs apart
prone position
lying face down
sims position
on left side right leg drawn up high left arm along back
supine position
lying face up
trendelenberg position
on back with head lowered by tilting bed back 45 degrees head is lower than heart
abdominopelvic cavity
large ventral cavity that includes the abdominal and pelvic cavities
acute
a condition that flares up suddenly and persists for only a short time
benign
not recurrent or malignant, favorable for recovery, describing tumors that do not spread
carcinoma
a malignant neoplasm composed of epithelial cells
chronic
of long duration, progressing slowly
cyst
an abnormal filled sac or pouch, used as a root meaning a normal bladder or sac, such as the urinary bladder or gallbladder
edema
accumulation of fluid in the tissues, swelling, edematous
etiology
the cause of a disease
hernia
abnormal protrusion of part of an organ through an abnormal opening in the wall that normally contains in
inflammation
a localized response to tissue injury characterized by heat, pain redness and swelling
lesion
a distinct area of damaged tissue an injury or wound
malignant
growing worse, harmful, tending to cause death describing an invasive tumor that can spread/metastasize to other tissues
metastasis
spread from one part of the body to another, characteristic of cancer
necrosis
death of tissue
neoplasm
an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of tissue, namely a tumor, may be benign or malignant
parasite
an organism that grows in or on another organism causing damage to it
pathogran
an organism capable of causing disease
phagocytosis
the ingestion of organism such as invading bactera or small particles of waste material by a cell
prolapse
a dropping or downward displacement of an organ or part, ptosis
pus
a product of inflammation consisting of fluid and white blood cells
sarcoma
a malignant neoplasm arising from connective tissue
sepsis
the presence of harmful microorganisms or their toxins in the blood or other tissues
toxin
a poison
trauma
a physical or physiological wound or injury
alg/o, algi/o, algesi/o
pain
carcin/o
cancer
cyst/o, cyst/i
fled sac or pouch, cyst, bladder
lith
calculus, stone
onc/o
tumor
path/o
disease
py/o
pus
pyr/o
fever, fire
scler/o
hard
tox/o, toxic/o
poison
brady
slow
dis
abnormal, painful, difficult
mal
bad, poor
pachy
thick
tachy
rapid,fast
xero-
dry
algia, algesia
pain
-cele
hernia, protrusion
-clasism clasia
breaking
-itis
inflammation
-megaly
enlargement
-odynia
pain
-oma
tumor
-pathy
any disease of
-rhage, -rhagia
bursting forth, profuse flow hemorrhage
-rhea
flow, discharge
rhexis
rupture
-schisis
fissure, splitting
-dilation, dilation
expansion, widening
-ectasia, -ectasis
dilation,dilatation, distension
-edema
accumulation of fluid, swelling
-lysis
separation, looseningm dissolving, distruction
-malacia
softening
-necrosis
death of tissue
-ptosis
dropping, downward displacement, prolapse
-sclerosis
hardening
-spasm
sudden contraction, cramp
-stasis
suppression, stoppage
-stenosis
constriction or narrowing
-toxin
posion
staphyl/o
bacteria grouped in grape or grape like clusters
strept/o
bacteria grouped like twisted chains
bacteria
simple microorganism that are widespread throughout the world, some are pathogenic
myc/o
fungus
viruses
submicroscopic infectious agents that can live and reproduce only living cells
CA
cancer
MRSA
methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, an infectious disease caused by a pathogen that is resistant to many antibiotics
staph
a type of bacteria commonly found on the skin and hair as well as in the noses and throats of people and animals, these bacteria are present in up to 25% of healthy people and are even more common among those with skin eye nose or throat infections
streptococcus
group A causes strept throat scarlet fever impetigo toxic shock syndrome and cellulitus and necrotizing faciitis
group b can cause blood infections pneumonia and meningitis in newborns
VRSA
vancomycin resistant staphylococcs aureus
microorganism
an organism too small to be seen with the aid of a microscope
cocci
round bacteria, may be in clusters, chains, or other formations
bacilli
rod shaped bacteria
vibrios
short curved rod shaped bactera
spirochetes
corkscrew shaped bacteria that move with a twisting motion
chlamydia
extremely small bacteria with complex life cycles that grow within living cells, can cause pelvic inflammatory disease
rickettsia
extremely small bacteria that grow within living cells, can cause rocky mountain spotted fever
fungi
simple non-green plants some of which are parasitic
protozoa
single celled animal
helminths
worms
bacill/i, bacill/o
referring to bacillus
bacteri/o
root referring to bacterium
vir/o
virus
acid fast stain
laboratory staining to identify TB
communicable
capable of passing from one person to another
endemic
occurring at a low level but continuously in a given region
exacerbation
worsening of a disease
iatrogenic
caused by the effects of treatment
idiopathic
having no known cause
in situ
localized, non invasive
normal flora
micro oganisms that normally live on or in the body
nosocomial
infections acquired in the hospital
opportunistic
infection that occurs because of a hosts poor or altered condition
pandemic
disease prevalent throughout an entire region or the world
remission
a lessening of disease symptoms
septicemia
blood poisoning by bactera
systemic
pertaining to the whole body
abscess
localized collection of pus
adhesion
uniting two surfaces that may be normally separated
anaplasia
lack of normal differentiation of cells
ascites
accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity
cellulitis
spreading inflammation of tissues
effusion
escape of fluid into a cavity or other body part
exudate
material that escapes from the blood vessels
fissure
groove or split
fistula
abnormal passage between two organs or between an organ and the surface of the body
gangrene
death of tissue due to lack of blood supply
hyperplasia
excessive growth of cells
hypertophy
increase in size of organs to due cell growth
induration
hardening, an abnormally hard spot or place
metaplasia
conversion of cells to form not normally for that tissue
polyp
tumor attached by a thin stalk
purulent
forming or containing pus
suppuration
pus formation
AF
acid fast
CA
cancer
CIS
carcinoma in situ
FUO
fever of unknown origin
Gm+
gram positive bacteria
Gm-
gram negative bactera
MRSA
methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus
staph
staphylococcus
strep
streptococcus
VRSA
vancomycin resistant staphylococcus aureus
ADL
activities of daily living
BP
blood pressure
BPM
beats per minute
c
celsius
CC
cheif complaint
C/o
complains of
EOMI
extraocular muscles intact
ETOH
alcohol
F
farenheit
HEENT
head eyes ears nose and throat
HIPAA
health insurance portability and accountability act
h/o
history of
H&P
history and physical
HPI
history of present illness
HR
heart rate
Hx
history
I&O
intake and output
IPPA
inspection, palpitation, percussion auscultation
NAD
no apparent distress
IVDA
IV drug abuse
NKDA
no known drug allergies
P
pulse
PE
physical exam
PE(R)RLA
pupils equal (REGULAR) react to light and accommodation
PMH
past medical history
pt
patient
R
respiration
R/O
rule out
ROS
review of systems
T
temperature
TPR
temperature pule respiration
VS
vital signs
WD
well developed
WNL
within normal limits
W/o
without
YO, y/o
years old
ABC
aspiration biopsy cytology
AFP
alpha feto protein
BS
bowel sounds
bx
biopsy
CAM
complementary and alternative medicine
Ci
Curie (unit of radioactivity)
C&S
culture and (drug) sensitivity (of bacteria)
CT
computed tomography
D/C
discontinue, discharge
Dx
diagnosis
EBL
estimated blood loss
ICU
intensive care unit
I&D
incision and drainage
MET
metastasis
MRI
magnetic resonance imaging
NCCAM
national center for complementary and alternative medicine
NS
normal saline
PCA
patient controlled analgesia
PET
positron emission tomograhy
PICC
peripherally inserted central catheter
postop
post operative
preop
pre operative
PSS
physiologic saline solution
RADx
radiation therapy
Rx
drug, prescription, therapy
SPECT
single photon emission computer tomography
TNM
Tumor (primary) Nodes (regional lymph) metastases (distant)
UV
ultraviolet
AP
anteroposterior
LL
left lateral
PA
posteroanterior
RL
right lateral
AMA
against medical advice
AMB
ambulatory
BRP
bathroom privileges
CBR
complete bed rest
DNR
do not resuscitate
KVO
keep vein open
NPO
nothing by mouth
OOB
out of bed
QNS
quantity not sufficent
QS
quantity sufficient
STAT
immediately
TKO
to keep open
anesthesia
loss of the ability to feel pain, as by administration of a drug
asucultation
listening for sounds within the body, usually within the chest or abdomen
biopsy
removal of a small amount of tissue for microscopic examination
cautery
destruction of tissue by a damaging agent such as a harmful chemical heat o electric current
chemotherapy
use of chemicals to treat disease, the term is often applied specifically to the treatment of chancer with chemicals
diagnosis
the process of determining the case of and nature of an illness
endoscope
an instrument for examining the inside of an organ or cavity through an opening or small incision most endoscopes use fiber-optics for viewing
excision
removal by cutting (ectomy)
fixation
holding or fastening a structure in a fixed position (-pexy)
grading
a method for evaluating a tumor based on microscopic examination of the cells
immunotherpy
treatment that involves stimulation or suppression of the immune system, either specifically or nonspecifically
incision
a cut, as for surgery, also the act of cutting (-tomy)
inspection
visual examination of the body
laser
a device that transforms light into a beam of intense heat and power used for surgery and diagnosis
opthalmoscope
an instrument for examining the interior of the eye
otoscope
instrument used to examine the ear
palliative
providing relief by not cure a treatment that provides such relief
palpitation
examining by placing the hands or fingers on the surface of the body to determine characteristics such as texture, temperature, movement and consistency
percussion
tapping the body lightly but sharply to assess the condition of the underlying tissue by the sounds obtained
prognosis
predicion of the course and outcome of a disease
radiography
use of xrays passed through the body to make a visual record of internal structure on specificaly sensitized film
remission
a lessening of disease symptoms, the period during which this decrease occurs or the period when no sign of a disease exists
sign
objective evidence of disease that can be observed or tested, examples are fever rash high blood pressure and blood or urine abnormalities
sphygmomanometer
blood pressure apparatus. or blood pressure cuff, read in millimeters or mercury when the heart is contracting and when the heart is relaxing and is reported as systolic/diastolic
staging
the process of classifying malignant tumors for diagnosis treatment adn prognosis
stethoscope
an instrument used to listening to sounds produced within the body
surgery
a method for treating disease or injury by manual operations
suture
o unite parts by stitching them together, also the thread or other material used in the process or the seam formed by surgical stitching
symptom
any evidence of disease, sometimes limited to subjective evidence of disease as experienced by the individual such as pain dizziness and weakness
therpy
treatment, intervention
vital signs
measurements that reflect basic functions necessary to maintain life
acupuncture
An ancient Chinese method of inserting thin needles into the body at specific points to relieve pain, induce anesthesia, or promote healing; similar effects can be obtained by using firm finger pressure at the surface of the body in the technique of acupressure
biofeedback
A method for learning control of involuntary physiologic responses by using electronic devices to monitor bodily changes and feeding this information back to a person
chiropractic
A science that stresses the condition of the nervous system in diagnosis and treatment of disease; often, the spine is manipulated to correct misalignment. Most patients consult for musculoskeletal pain and headaches (from Greek cheir, meaning “hand”)
holistic health care
Practice of treating a person as a whole entity with physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. It stresses comprehensive care, involvement in one’s own care, and the maintenance of good health rather than the treatment of disease.
homeopathy
A philosophy of treating disease by administering drugs in highly diluted form along with promoting healthy life habits and a healthy environment (from home/o, meaning “same,” and path, meaning “disease”)
massage
manipulation of the body or portion of the body to calm, relieve tension, increase circulation, and stimulate muscles
meditation
process of clearing the mind by concentrating on the inner self while controlling breathing and perhaps repeating a word or phrase
naturopathy
A therapeutic philosophy of helping people to heal themselves by developing healthy lifestyles; naturopaths may use some of the methods of conventional medicine (from nature and path/o, meaning “disease”)
osteopathy
A system of therapy based on the theory that the body can overcome disease when it has normal structure, a favorable environment, and proper nutrition. Osteopaths use standard medical practices for diagnosis and treatment but stress the identification and correction of faulty body structure (from oste/o, meaning “bone,” and path, meaning “disease”)
clubbing
enlargement of the ends of the fingers and toes because of soft tissue growth of the nails seen in a variety of diseases especially lung and heart disease
colic
acute abdominal pain associated with smooth muscle spasms
cyanosis
bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen
alpha feto protein
a fetal protein that appears in the blood of adults with certain types of cancer
bruit
a sound, usually abnormal, heard in auscultation
facies
the expression or appearance of the face
radionuclide
a substance that gives off radiation, used for diagnosis and treatment, also called radioisotope or radiopharmaeutical
speculum
an instrument for examining a canal
syndrome
a group of signs. andsymptoms tha ttogether characterize diseasse condition
clysis
the introduction of fluid to the body other than orally as into the rectum or abdominal cavity also refers to the solution used
irrigation
flushing of a tube cavity or area with a fluid
lavage
to wash out the cavity
paracentesis
puncture of a cavity for-removal of fluid
prophylaxis
prevention of disease
ligature
a tie or bandage the process of binding or tying
cineradiography
making of a motion picture of successive images appearing on a fluoroscope
scintography
imaging the radioactivity distribution in tissues after internal administration of a radiographic substance
ultrasonography
generation of a visual image from the echoes of high frequency sound waves traveling back from different tissues
bougie
slender, flexible instrument for exploring and dilating tubes
cannula
rube enclosing a trocar that allows escape of fluid or air after removal of the trocar
curet
spoon shaped instrument for removing maerial from the wall of a cavity or other surface
gigli saw
flexible wire saw
hemostat
small clamp for stpping blood flow from a vessel
rasp
surgical file
rongeur
gouge forceps
sound
instrument for exploring a cavity or canal
trocar
sharp pointed instrument contained in a cannula used to puncture a cavity
chon/o
root. fortime
cry/o
root for cold
erg/o
root. forwork
centesis
suffix for puncture
-desis
suffic for binding
-plasty
suffix for plastic repair, plastic surgery, reconstruction
±
doubtful, slightly
diaphoresis
profuse sweating
malaise
a feeling of discomfort or uneasiness
pallor
paleness, lack of color
sequela
lasting effect of a disease
syncope
temporary loss of conciousness becausse of inadequate flow of blood to the brain
prodrome
a symptom indicating approaching disease
febrile
fever
synergy
combined action of two or more drugs working greater than any. ofthe drugs could produce when acting alone
potentiation
increased potency created by two drugs acting together
lytic
dissolving, reducing, loosening
-mimetic
mimicking
-tropic
acting on
hypn/o
sleep
narc
stupor
pyr/o, pyret/o
fever
vas/o
vessel
adrenergics
mimic actions of sympathetic nervous system, which responds to stress
analgesics
alleviate pain
narcotics
decrease pain from the central nervous system
non-narcotics
acts peripherally to inhibit prostaglandins
antiemetics
relieve symptoms of nausea
corticosteroids
hormones from cortex of adrenal gland
hypolipidemics
lower cholesterol in patients with high serum levels that can’t be controlled with diet alone
nitrtes and antianginal agents
dilate coronary arteries and reduce hearts workload by lowering blood pressure and reducing venous return
CNS stimulants
stimulate the central nervous system
diuretics
remote excretion of water, sodium, and other electrolytes by the kidneys, used to reduce edema and blood pressure
antidiarrheals
treat or prevent diarrhea by reducing intestinal motility or absorbing irritants and soothing intestinal lining
histamine H2 antagonists
decrease stomach acid secretion by interfering with action of histamine at H2 receptors , used to treat ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems
laxatives
promote elimination from large intestines, stimulants, hypersomotics (retain water), stool softeners, bulk-forming agents
proteon pump inhibitors
reduce stomach acidity by blocking transport of hydrogen ions (protons) into the stomach
muscle relaxants
depress nervous system stimulation of skeletal muscles use to control muscle spasms and pain
psychotropics
affect the mind, altering mental activity, mental state, or behavior
antipsychotics
act on nervous system to relieve symptoms on psychoses
antitussives
suppress coughing
asthma maintenance drugs
used for prevention of asthma attacks and chronic treatment of asthma
brochodilators
prevent or eliminate spasm of the bronchi (breathing tubes) y relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, used to treat asthma attacks and bronchitis
expectorants
induce productive coughing to eliminate respiratory secretions
mucolytics
loosen mucus to promote its elimination
sedatives/hypnotics
induce relaxation and sleep, lower doses promote relaxation leading to sleep, higher induce sleep, anti anxiety agents also used
absorption
drug taken into circulation through the digestive tract or by transfer across another membrane
instillation
administration through respiratory system as by breathing in an aeros or nebulizer spray
epidural
injected into space between meninges (around spinal cord) and spine
hypodermoclysis
administration of a solution by subcutaneous infusion, use for fluid delivery as an alternative for intravenous infusion
elixir
clear, pleasantly flavored and sweetened hydroalcoholic liquid intended for oral use
emulsion
mixture in which one liquid is dispersed but not dissolved in another liquid
suspension
fine particles dispersed in a liquid, must be shaken before use
APAP
acetaminophen
ASA
acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
ASHP
american society of health system pharmacists
INH
isoiazid (anti-tuberculosis drug)
ODS
office. ofdietary supplements
OTC
over the counter
PDR
physicians desk reference
supp
suppository
susp
suspension
tinct
tincture (concentrated liquid herbal extracts)
ung
ointment
a with line over it
before
aa with line over it
of each
ac
before meals
ad lib
as desired
aq
water
bid
twice a day
c with a line over it
with
DS
double strength
gt(t)
drop(s)
hs
at bedtime
ID
intradermally
IM
intramuscular
IU
international unit
LA
long acting
mcg
microgram
p
after, post
pc
after meals
po
by mouth
pp
after meals
qam
every morning
qh
every hour
q_h
every x hours
qid
4 times per day
s with a line over it
without
SA
susained action
SC, SQ, subcu
subcutaneously
SL
sublingualy
SR
sustained release
ss with lines above
half
tid
three times per day
phytomedicine
herbal medicine
DAW
dispense as written
black cohosh root
reduction of menopausal hot flashes
chamomile
anti-inflammator, gastrointestinal antispasmodic, sedative
echinacea
may reduce severity and duration of colds, may stimulate the immune system, used topically for wound healing
flax seed
source of fatty acids mportant in maintaining proper lipids (cholesterol) in the blood
ginger root
relief of neausea and motion sickness, treatment of colds and sore throat
gingo leaf
improves blood circulation in and function of the brain, improves memory, used to treat dementia, anti-anxiety agent, protects the nervous system
ginsing
stress reduction , lowers blood cholesterol and blood sugar
green tea
antioxidant, acts against cancer of the gastrointestinal tract and skin, oral antimicrobial agent, reduces dental caries
kava
antianxiety, sedative
aorta
largest artery
arteriole
a small vessel that carries blood from the arteries into the capillaries
electrocrdiography
EKG
epicardium
outside lining, covers the heart
inferior vena cava
the large inferior vein that brings blood back to the right atrum of the heart from the lower body
pericardium
surrounding fibrous sac
ventricle
lower pumping chambers
capillary
smallest vessels exchange between blood and tissue
diastole
the relaxation phase of the heartbeat cycle, adject diastolic
endocardium
inside lining
myocardium
thick muscle heart wall
septum
wall dividing chambers of the heart
angi/o
vessel
phleb
vein
angina pectoris
chest pain
arteriosclerosis
hardening of the aarteries
artherosclerosis
the development of fatty, fibrous patches (plaques) in the lining of arteries, causing narrowing of the lumen and hadening of the vessel wall. the most common form of asteriosclerosis
cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
stroke
diaphoresis
sweating
embolism
obstruction of blood vessel
embolus
clot that creates embolism
infarct
area of localized death of tissue because of blockage
ischemia
local deficiency of blood supply cause by obstruction of the circulation
phlebitis
inflammation of vein
shock
circulation failure resulting in inadequate supply of blood to tissue
thrombosis
development of blood clot
stenosis
narrowing
thrombophlebitis
inflammation of vein because of clot
thrombus
blood clot
angioplasty
A procedure that reopens a narrowed vessel and restores blood flow. Commonly accomplished by surgically removing plaque, inflating a balloon within the vessel, or installing a device (stent) to keep the vessel open
caronoary artery bypass graft CABG
Surgical creation of a shunt to bypass a blocked coronary artery. The aorta is connected to a point past the obstruction with another vessel or a piece of another vessel, usually the left internal mammary artery or part of the leg’s saphenous vein
creatine kinase
enzyme released after MI
