Medical Terms Flashcards
Abdominocentesis
The surgical puncture of the abdominal cavity to remove fluid for diagnostic purposes
Acronym
A word formed from the initial letters of the major parts of a compound term
Acute
A condition that has a rapid onset, a severe course, and a relatively short duration
Angiography
The process of producing a radiographic study of the blood vessels after the injection of a contrast medium to make the blood vessels visible.
Appendectomy
Surgical removal of the appendix
Arteriosclerosis
Abnormal hardening of the walls of an artery or arteries
Arthralgia
Pain in a joint or joints
Colostomy
The surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the colon and the body surface
Cyanosis
Blue discoloration of the skin caused by a lack of adequate oxygen in the blood
Dermatologist
A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the skin
Diagnosis
The identification of a disease
Diarrhea
The frequent flow of loose or watery stools
Edema
Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues
Endarterial
Pertaining to the interior or lining of an artery
Eponym
A disease, structure, operation, or procedure named for the person who discovered or described it first
Erythrocyte
A mature red blood cell produced by the red bone marrow. Primary role is to transport oxygen to the tissues. This oxygen’s transported by hemoglobin, which is the oxygen-carrying blood protein pigment of the erythrocytes.
Fissure
A groove or cracklike sore of the skin; also a normal fold in the contours of the brain
Fistula
An abnormal passage, usually between two internal organs or leading from an organ to the surface of the body
Gastralgia
Pain in the stomach
Gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach
Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of the stomach and small intestine
Gastrosis
Any abnormal condition or disease of the stomach
Hemorrhage
The loss of a large amount of blood in a short time
Hepatomegaly
Abnormal enlargement of the liver
Hypertension
Higher-than-normal blood pressure. Secondary hypertension is caused by a different medical problem, such as kidney disorder or a tumor on the adrenal glands. When then other problem is resolved the secondary hypertension usually improves. Malignant hypertension is characterized by very high blood pressure. This condition, which can be fatal, is usually accompanied by damage to the organs, brain and optic nerves or failure of the heart and kidneys.
Hypotension
Lower-than-normal arterial blood pressure. Symptoms can include dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting. Orthostatic hypotension, aka postural hypotension is low blood pressure that occurs upon standing up. Orthodontic means relating to an upright or standing position.
Infection
Invasion of the body by a pathogenic organism
Inflammation
A localized response to an injury or destruction of tissues that is characterized by heat, redness, swelling and pain
Interstitial
Between, but not within, the parts of a tissue
Intramuscular
Within the muscle
Laceration
A torn, jagged wound or an accidental cut wound
Lesion
A pathologic change of the tissues due to disease or injury
Malaise
A feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness that is often the first indication of an infection or other disease
Mycosis
Any abnormal condition or disease caused by a fungus
Myelopathy
Any pathologic change or disease in the spinal cord
Myopathy
Any pathologic change or disease of muscle tissue
Myorrhexis
The rupture of a muscle
Natal
Pertaining to birth
Neonatology
Study of disorders of a newborn
Neurorrhaphy
Suturing together the ends of a severed nerve
Otorhinolaryngology
Study of the ears, nose and theoat
Palpation
An examination technique in which the examiner’s hands are used to feel the texture, size, consistency, and location of certain body parts
Palpitation
A pounding or racing heart
Pathology
The study of all aspects of diseases
Phalanges
The bones of the fingers and toes. Big toe has two phalanges and each of the others have 3.
Phalanx is a single finger or toe.
Poliomyelitis
A viral infection of the gray nerve tissue of the spinal cord
Prognosis
A prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disease
Pyoderma
Any acute, inflammatory, pus-forming bacterial skin infection
Pyrosis
Discomfort due to the regurgitation of stomach acid upward into the esophagus
Remission
The temporary, partial, or complete disappearance of the symptoms of a disease without having achieved a cure
Sign
Objective evidence of disease, such as a fever
Supination
The act of rotating the arm so that the palm of the hand is forward or upward
Suppuration
The formation or discharge of pus
Supracostal
Above or outside the ribs
Symptom
Subjective evidence of a disease, such as pain or a headache
Syndrome
A set of the signs and symptoms that occur together as part of a specific disease process
Tonsillitis
Inflammation of the tonsils
Trauma
Wound or injury
Triage
Medical screening of patients to determine their relative priority of need and the proper place of treatment
Viral
Pertaining to a virus
Abdominal cavity
The body cavity that contains the major organs of digestion
Adenectomy
The surgical removal of a gland
Adenocarcinoma
A malignant tumor that originated in glandular tissue
Adenoma
A benign tumor that arises in or resembles glandular tissue
Adenomalacia
Abnormal softening of a gland
Adenosclerosis
Abnormal hardening of a gland
Anaplasia
A change in the structure of cells and in their orientation to each other
Anatomy
The study of the structures of the body
Anomaly
A deviation from what is regarded as normal
Anterior
Situated in front
Aplasia
The defective development or congenital absence of an organ or tissue
Bloodborne transmission
The spread of a disease through contact with blood or other body fluids contaminated with blood
Caudal
Toward the lower part of the body
Cephalic
Toward the head
Chromosome
A genetic structure located within the nucleus of each cell
Communicable disease
Any disease transmitted from one person to another either directly or by indirect contact with contaminated objects
Congenital disorder
An abnormal condition that exists at the time of birth
Cytoplasm
The material located within the cell membrane that is not part of the nucleus
Distal
Situated farthest from the midline or beginning of a body structure
Dorsal
Back of the body or organ
Dysplasia
Abnormal development or growth of cells, tissues, or organs
Endemic
Referring to the ongoing presence of a disease, such as the common cold, within a population, group, or area
Endocrine glands
Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream
Epidemic
A sudden and widespread outbreak of a disease within a specific population group or area
Epigastric region
The region located above the stomach
Etiology
The study of the causes of diseases
Exocrine glands
Glands that secrete chemical substances into ducts leading either to other organs or out of the body
Functional disorder
Produces symptoms for which no physiological or anatomical cause can be identified
Genetic disorder
A pathological condition caused by an absent or defective gene
Geriatrician
A physician who specializes in the care of older people
Hemophilia
A group of hereditary bleeding disorders in which a blood clotting factor is missing
Histology
The microscopic study of the structure, composition, and function of tissues
Homeostasis
The processes through which the body maintains a constant internal environment
Hyperplasia
The enlargement of an organ or tissue because of an abnormal increase in the number of cells in the tissues
Hypertrophy
A general increase in the bulk of a body part or organ that is due to an increase in the size, but not in the number, of the cells in the tissues
Hypogastric region
The region of the abdomen that is below the stomach
Hypoplasia
The incomplete development of an organ or tissue usually due to a deficiency in the number of cells
iatrogenic illness
Unfavorable response due to prescribed medical treatment
Idiopathic disorder
An illness without known cause
Infectious disease
Illness caused by living pathogenic organisms such as bacteria and viruses
inguinal
Relating to the groin, refers to the entire lower portion of the abdomen including the groin
Medial
The direction toward or nearer the midline
Messentery
The fused double layer of the parietal peritoneum that attached parts of the intestine to the interior abdominal wall
Midsagittal plane
The vertical plane that divides the body, from top to bottom, into equal left and right halves
Nosocomial infection
A disease acquired in a hospital or clinical setting
Pandemic
A disease outbreak occurring over a large geographic area, possibly worldwide
Pelvic cavity
The space formed by the hip bones that contains the organs of the reproductive and excretory systems
Peritoneum
The multilayered membrane that protects and holds the organs in place with the abdominal cavity
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum
Phenylketonuria
A genetic disorder in which the essential digestive enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase is missing
Physiology
The study of the functions of the body structures
Posterior
Situated in the back or on the back part of an organ
Proximal
Situated nearest the midline or beginning of a body structure
Retroperitoneal
Located behind the peritoneum
Stem cells
Unspecialized cells that renew themselves for long periods of time through cell division
Thoracic cavity
The cavity that surrounds and protects the heart and the lungs also known as the chest cavity
Transverse plane
The horizontal plane that divides the body into upper and lower portions
Umbilicus
The pit in the center of the abdominal wall that marks where the umbilical cord was attached before birth
Vector-borne transmission
The spread of a disease due to the bite of a vector capable of transmitting that disease
Ventral
Refers to the front or belly side of the body or organ
Cranial
Pertaining to the skull
Homeostasis
The process through which the body maintains a constant internal environment
Abdominopelvic cavity
Pertaining to the abdominal and pelvic cavities as a single unit
Inguinal
Refers to the entire lower area of the abdomen, including the groin, which is the crease at the junction of the trunk with the upper end of the thigh.
Left and right hypochondriac regions
Part of the thorax/abdomen region below the ribs. Also an individual with an abnormal concern for his or her health.
Epigastric region
Part of the thorax/abdomen region located above the stomach
Right and left lumbar regions
Part of the thorax/abdomen region located near the inward curve of the spine. Part of the ribs between the ribs and pelvis.
Umbilical region
Part of the thorqx/abdomen region that Surrounds the umbilicus, which is commonly known as the belly button or navel. This pit in the center of the abdominal wall marks the point where the umbilical cord was attached before birth.
Left and right iliac regions
Part of the thorax/abdomen region Located near the hip bones
Hypogastric region
Part of the thorax/abdomen region Located below the stomach
Peritoneum
A multilayered membrane that protects and holds the organs in place within the abdominal cavity.
Membrane
A thin layer of tissue that covers a surface, lines a cavity, or divides a space or organ.
Mesentery
A fused double layer of the parietal peritoneum that attaches parts of the intestine to the interior abdominal wall.
Visceral peritoneum
The inner layer of the peritoneum that surrounds the organs of the abdominal cavity.
Visceral
Relating to internal organs.
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum.
Cytology
The study of the anatomy
Etiology
Study of the causes of diseases
Endemic
Refers to the ongoing presence of a disease within a population, group or area.
Organic disorder
Produces symptoms caused by detectable physical changes in the body. (IE chicken pox which has a rash is an organic disorder by a virus)
Atresia
The congenital absence of a normal body opening or the failure of a structure to be tubal.
Parietal peritoneum
The outer layer of the peritoneum that lines the interior of the abdominal wall
Bones
Living tissue made up of mostly collagens d calcium which can grow and repair itself. Collagen is a protein providing the framework and calcium is a mineral that adds strength and hardness. The combo of both make bones flexible and strong enough to withstand stress.
Joint
The point at which two or more bones are connected.
Cartilage
Lining that beeps bones from grinding against each other. Softer than bones and found in many other body parts such as rib cage, external ear, tip of nose and intervertebral disks.
Ligaments
Strong, elastic bands of tissue that join bones to other bones.
Bursa
Fluid-filled sac that cushions areas subject to friction, such as the shoulder, elbow, and knee joints.
Skull
Bones of skull dividend into 2 groups… cranium and face. The 8 bones that form the cranium protect the brain. There are 14 bones that form the face. The auditory ossicles are 3 tiny bones located in each middle ear.
Rib cage
Protects the heart and lungs. Consists of 25 ribs, sternum (breastbone), and 12 thoracic vertebrae of the spinal column.
Spinal column
Aka as the vertebrae column, the spinal column supports the head and body and protects the spinal cord. The bony structures of the spinal column are called vertebrae. There are 26 vertebrae - 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 1 sacrum, and 1 coccyx. The intervertebral disks act as shock absorbers that separate and cushion them from each other.
Bones of the upper limb
Bones of the arms, forearms, wrists, hands and fingers.
Shoulder girdle
Aka pectoral girdle, is a set of bones which connects to the arms on each side. These bones are highly mobile to enhance the range of upper limb movements.
Bones of the lower limb
Bones of the hips, legs, thighs, ankles, feet and toes.
Pelvic girdle
A largely immobile bony, weight-bearing structure that provides a strong foundation for the upper body as it rests on top of the mobile lower limbs.
Femur
Largest bone in body - thigh bone. Head of the femur articulates with the acetabulum (hip socket). The femoral neck is the narrow area just below the head of the femur.
Mandible
Aka jawbone
Coccyx
Aka tailbone
Carpals
Bones that form the wrist
Costals
Aka ribs
Muscle
A band of fibrous tissue that has the ability to contract. Contraction is stimulated by nerve impulses and triggers the movement of the muscle. When the impulse is removed the muscle relaxes back to its natural state. This pattern of contraction and relaxation is responsible for all the movements in the body. The 3 types of muscles are skeletal, smooth, and myocardial.
Skeletal muscles
Attached to the bones and help limbs and other body parts move. These muscles are under conscious, or voluntary, control. They are also known as striated muscles because, under a microscope, the dark and light bands in the muscle fibers create a striped appearance. Striated means striped.
Smooth muscles
Make up the walls of the hollow organs (intestines, stomach, urinary bladder, uterus), blood vessels, and internal muscles of the eye. These muscles are under involuntary control, which means they are not consciously directed. Smooth muscles do not have striations.
Myocardial
Aka cardiac muscles, make up the wall of the heart and are responsible for the forceful contractions of the heart. The action of these muscles is involuntary.
Fascia
Densely woven sheath of connective tissue that supports muscles, bones, nerves, arteries and veins, and surrounds virtually every organ of the human body, including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. One continuous structure from head to toe. It’s also mostly collagen so it’s very flexible.
Tendons
Tough cords of tissue that attach skeletal muscles to bones. Tendons and muscles work together and exert a pulling force to move the bone. The largest tendon on the human body is the Achille’s tendon, which attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone.
Acetabulum
The large circular cavity in each side of the pelvis that articulates with the head of the femur to form the hip joint; commonly known as the hip socket
Allogenic
Originating within another (ie allogenic bone marrow transplant uses bone marrow from a compatible donor but must be a perfect match).
Ankylosis spondylitis
A form of rheumatoid arthritis that primarily causes inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae
Arthrodesis
The surgical fusion of two bones to stiffen a joint
Arthrolysis
The surgical loosening of an ankylosed joint
Arthroscopy
The visual examination of the internal structure of a joint
Autologous
Originating within the individual (ie autologous bone marrow transplant is when patient receives his or her own bone marrow cells which have been harvested and treated).
Vascular necrosis
An area of bone tissue death caused by insufficient blood flow
Chondromalacia
The abnormal softening of cartilage
Comminuted fracture
A fractured in which the bone is splintered or crushed
Compression fracture
Occurs when the bone is pressed together on itself
Costochondritis
An inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the sternum
Craniostenosis
A malformation of the skull due to the premature closure of the cranial sutures
Crepitation
The grating sound heard when the ends of a broken bone move together
Duel x-ray absorptiometry
A low exposure radiographic measurement of the spine and hips that measures bone density
Gout
A type of arthritis characterized by deposits of iron acid crystals on the joints
Hallux valgus
An abnormal enlargement of the joint at the base of the great toe; also known as a bunion
Hemarthrosis
Blood within a joint
Hemopoietic
Pertaining to the formation of blood cells
Internal fixation
A fracture treatment in which a plate or pins are placed directly into the bone to hold the broken pieces in place
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
An autoimmune disorder that affects children ages 16 or younger, with symptoms that include stiffness, pain, joint swelling, skin rash, fever, slowed growth, and fatigue
Kyphosis
An abnormal increase in the outward curvature of the thoracic spine as viewed from the side; also known as humpback or dowager’s himp
Laminectomy
The surgical removal of a lamina from a vertebra
Lordosis
An abnormal increase in the forward curvature of the lumbar spine; also known as swayback
Lumbago
Pain in the lumbar region of the spine; aka low back pain
Malleolus
The rounded bony projection on the tibia and fibula on the sides of each ankle joint
Manubrium
The bony structure that forms the upper portion of the sternum
Metacarpals
The five bones that form the back of the hand
Metatarsals
The bones that form the part of the foot to which the toes are attached
Myeloma
Type of cancer that occurs in the blood-making cells found in the red bone marrow
Open fracture
A break in which the bone is broken and there is an open wound in the skin; also known as a compound fracture
Orthopedic surgeon
A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders involving the bones, joints, and muscles; aka an orthopedist
Orthotic
A mechanical appliance such as a leg brace or splint that is specially designed to control, correct, or compensate for impaired limb function.
Osteitis
Inflammation of a bone
Osteoarthritis
The type of arthritis commonly associated with aging; aka wear-and-tear arthritis. Known as a degenerative joint disease because it is characterized by wearing away of the particular cartilage within the joints. Also characterized by hyper trophy of bone and the formation of osteophytes, aka bone spurs.
Osteochondroma
A benign bony projection covered with cartilage
Osteoclasis
The surgical fracture of a bone to correct a deformity
Osteomalacia
Aka adult rickets / Abnormal softening of bones in adults / caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, and/or phosphate.
Osteomyelitis
Inflammation of the bone marrow and adjacent bone
Osteopenia
Thinner-than-average bone density
Osteoporosis
A marked loss of bone density and an increase in bone porosity frequently asssocisted with aging. Osteoporosis is primarily responsible for 3 types of fractures: compression fracture aka vertebrae crush fracture, Colles’ fracture, osteoporotic hip fracture.
Osteoporotic hip fracture
A broken bone usually caused by weakening of the bones due to osteoporosis and can occur spontaneously or as a result of a fall
Osteorrhaphy
Surgical suturing or working together of bones
Paget’s disease
A disease of unknown origin that is characterized by extensive breakdown of bone tissue followed by abnormal bone formation
Pathologic fracture
When a bone breaks under normal strain because the bone has been weakened by osteoporosis or by a disease process such as cancer
Percutaneous vertebroplasty
A minimally invasive procedure performed to treat osteoporosis-related compression fractures of the spine
Periostitis
Inflammation of the periosteum
Podiatrist
A specialist in diagnosing and treating disorders of the foot
Polymyalgia rheumatica
An inflammatory disorder of the muscles and joints characterized by pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, upper arms, and hips and thighs
Prosthesis
A substitute for a diseased or missing body part, such as a leg that has been amputated (aka implant).
Rheumatoid arthritis
A chronic autoimmune disorder in which the joints and some organs of other body systems are attacked. As RA progressively attacks the synovial membranes they become inflamed and thickened so that the joints are increasingly swollen painful and immobile.
Rickets
Deficiency disease in children characterized by defective bone growth caused by a lack of vitamin D
Scoliosis
Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine
Spina bifida
Congenital defect that occurs during early pregnancy in which the spinal canal fails to close completely around the spinal cord to protect it
Spiral fracture
Fracture in which the bone has been twisted apart
Spondylolisthesis
Forward slipping movement of the body of one of the lower lumbar vertebrae on the vertebra or sacrum below it
Spondylosis
Degenerative disorder that can cause the loss of normal spinal structure and function; aka spinal osteoarthritis
Subluxation
Partial displacement of a bone from its joint
Synovectomy
Surgical removal of a synovial membrane from a joint
Vertebrae
Bony structural units of the spinal column
Ossification
Process by which a newborn skeleton of membranes and cartilage turn to bone (after 3 months)
The tissues of bone
See chart in chapter 3 page 59.
Periosteum, compact bone, cortical bone, spongy bone aka cancellous bone, long bone, medullary cavity, endosteum
Meniscus
Curved, fibrous cartilage found in some joints such as the knee and tmj joint of the jaw
An atomic landmark of bones
Diaphysis, epiphyses, foramen, foramen magnum, process, mastoid process
Fontanelles
Soft spots which help facilitate the passage of infant through the birth canal and then allows the skull to grow during the first year.
Components of synovial joints
Ch 3 page 61.
Synovial capsule, synovial membrane, synovial fluid, ligaments, bursa
Appendage
Anything that is attached to a major part of the body
Appendicular
Referring to an appendage
Extremity
The terminal end of a body part such as an arm or leg
Bones of the cranium
Ch 3 pg 62
8 bones enclose and protect the brain: frontal bone, 2 parietal bones, occipital bone, 2 temporal bones, sphenoid bone, and ethmoid bone
External auditory meatus
The opening of the external auditory canal of the outer ear. This canal is located within the temporal bone on each side of the skull. A meatus is the external opening of a canal
Auditory ossicles
3 tiny bones located in each middle ear. These bones are known as the malleus, incus, and stapes
Bones of the face
Ch 3 pg 62
14 bones
Thoracic cavity
Bony structure that protects the heart and lungs. Consists of the ribs, sternum, and upper portion of the spinal column. Aka the rib cage.
Sternum
Ch 3 pg 63
Aka Breastbone
The shoulders
Form the pectoral girdle which supports the arms and hands. Aka shoulder girdle.
Clavicle aka collar bone, scapula, acromion
The arms
Humerus, radius, ulna, and olecranon process
The wrists, hands and fingers
8 carpals, metacarpals, phalanges, each 4 finger has 3 bones, the thumb has 2
Pelvis
Ala bony pelvis, protects internal organs and supports the lower extremities. In addition to the sacrum and coccyx, it includes the pelvic girdle (which consists of the ilium, ischium, and pubis)
Symphysis
A place where two bones are closely joined (ie pubic symphysis)
Patella
Aka kneecap. Bony anterior portion of the knee. The term popliteal describes the posterior space behind the knee where the ligaments, vessels, and muscles related to this joint are located. The cruciate ligaments make movements of the knee possible. These are known as the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments because they are shaped like a cross.
Tibia
Aka shinbone. The larger anterior weight-bearing bone of the lower leg.
Fibula
The smaller of the two bones of the lower leg.
Ankle
Joints that connect the lower leg and foot to make the necessary movements possible. Each ankle is made up of 7 short tarsal bones. Similar to bones in wrists except much larger in size. The talus is the ankle bones that articulates with the tibia and fibula. Malleolus is a rounded bony projection on the tibia and fibula on the sides of each ankle joint. The calcaneus, aka heel bone, is the largest of the tarsal bones.
Ankylosis
The loss of absence of mobility in a joint due to disease, injury or surgical procedure.
Ankylosis
The loss of absence of mobility in a joint due to disease, injury or surgical procedure.
Adhesive capsulitis
Aka frozen shoulder. Cause by adhesions forming in the synovial capsule surrounding the shoulder, making the joints become thicker and tighter.
Arthrosclerosis
Stiffness of the joints especially in the elderly
Capsul
Little box
Baker’s cyst
Aka popliteal cyst / a fluid filled sac behind the knee. This usually results from a condition such as rheumatoid arthritis triggering the production of excess synovial fluid. The condition is named for British surgeon William Baker.
Bursitis
An inflammation of a bursa
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Inflammatory disorder of the muscles and joints characterized by pain and stiffness in the neck shoulders upper arms, and hips and thighs.
Sprain
Occurs when a ligament that connects bones to a joint is wrenched or torn
Synovitis
Inflammation of the synovial membrane that results in swelling and pain of the affected joint. This condition is caused by arthritis, trauma, infection or irritation produced by damaged cartilage.
Dislocation
Aka luxation / total displacement of a bone from its joint. Subluxation is partial displacement of a bone from its joint.
Arthritis
Inflammatory condition of one or more joints. There are over 100 types of arthritis.
Degenerative joint disease
Breaking down of a body part
Osteophytes
Bone spurs
Gout
Aka gouty arthritis which is a type of arthritis characterized by deposits of iris acid crystals in the joints, usually beginning in the big toe.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Aka RA / a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the joints and some organs of other body systems are attacked.
Arthritis
An inflammatory condition of one or more joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis.
Curvatures of the spine
Kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis
Vascular necrosis
Aka osteonecrosis, an area of bone tissue death caused by insufficient blood flow. It most commonly occurs in the hip joint
Vascul/o
Blood vessels
Talipes
Aka club foot / describes any congenital deformity of the foot involving the talus (ankle bone).
Ewing’s sarcoma
Tumor that occurs in the bones of the upper arm, legs, pelvis, or rib. Peak incidence for the development of this condition is 10-20 years.
Primary vs secondary bone cancer
Primary is a relatively rare malignant tumor that originates in a bone. Secondary describes tumors that have metastasized (spread) to bones from other organs such as the breast and lungs.
Exostosis
Abnormal growth of bone on a bone.
Colles’ fracture
Named for Irish surgeon Abraham Colles, aka fractured wrist.
Types of fractures
Closed aka simple or complete, open aka compound, green stick aka incomplete, comminuted, oblique, pathologic, spiral, stress and transverse
Closed fracture
Aka simple or complete fracture / one in which the bone is broken but there is no open wound on the skin
Closed fracture
Aka simple or complete fracture / one in which the bone is broken but there is no open wound on the skin
Open fracture
Aka compound fracture / one in which the bone is broken and there is an open wound on the skin.
Comminuted fracture
One in which a bone is splintered or crushed.
Greenstick fracture
Aka incomplete fracture / one in which the bone is bent and only partially broken / occurs primarily in children.
Oblique fracture
Occurs at an angle across the bone.
Pathologic fracture
Occurs when a weakened bone breaks under normal strain. This is due to bones being weakened by osteoporosis or a disease process such as cancer.
Spiral fracture
A fracture in which the bone has been twisted apart. This type of fracture occurs as the result of a severe twisting motion such as a knee injury.
Stress fracture
An overuse injury / a small crack in the bone that often develops from chronic, excessive impact.
Transverse fracture
Occurs straight across the bone
Fat embolus
When a long bone is fractured and fat cells from yellow bone marrow are released into the blood. An embolus is any foreign matter circulating in the blood that can become lodged and block the blood vessel.
Crepitation
Aka Crepitus / the grating sound heard when the ends of a broken bone move together. It is often used to describe the popping or clicking sound heard in the movements of some joints.
Callus
A callus forms as a bulging deposit around the area of a break. Thickening of the skin caused by repeated rubbing.
Radiograph
Aka x-ray / the use of x-radiation to visualize bone fractures and other abnormalities.
Arthroscopy
The visual examination of the internal structure of a joint.
Bone marrow biopsy
A diagnostic test that may be necessary after abnormal types or numbers of red or white blood cells are found in a complete blood count test.
Bone marrow aspiration
The use of a syringe to withdraw tissue from the red bone marrow.
Magnetic response imaging (mri)
Used to image soft tissue structures such as the interior of complex joints. Not very effective for imaging hard tissue such as bone.
Bone density testing (BDT)
Determined losses or changes in bone density to diagnose conditions such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, osteopenia, and Paget’s disease.
Ultrasonic bone density testing
A screening procedure using sound waves to test for osteoporosis or other conditions that cause a loss of bone mass. Measurements are taken of the calcaneus (heel) bone.
Dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
A low-exposure radiographic measurement of the spine and hips to measure bone density. More accurate than ultrasonic bone density testing.
Dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
A low-exposure radiographic measurement of the spine and hips to measure bone density. More accurate than ultrasonic bone density testing.
Bone marrow transplant (BMT)
Used to treat certain types of cancers such as leukemia and lymphomas, which affect bone marrow. Patient’s bone marrow and cancer cells are destroyed with high-intensity radiation and chemotherapy then healthy bone marrow stem cells are transfused into the recipient’s blood. These cells migrate to the spongy bone where they multiply to form new cancer-free bone marrow. Stem cells produced by the bone marrow eventually develop into blood cells.
Orthotic
A mechanical appliance such as a shoe insert which will help control or correct for impaired limb function.
Prosthesis
A substitute for a missing body part.
Arthroscopic surgery
A minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of the interior of a joint.
Chondroplasty
The surgical repair of damaged cartilage.
Arthroplasty
Surgical repair of a damaged joint (has come to mean the surgical placement of an artificial joint).
Percutaneous diskectomy
Performed to treat a herniated invertebral disk. A thin tube is inserted through the skin of the back to suction out the ruptured disk or to vaporize it with a laser.
Craniectomy
Surgical removal of a portion of the skull l. Performed to treat craniostenosis or to relieve increased intracranial pressure due to swelling of the brain.
Craniotomy
Surgical incision or opening into the skull. Performed to gain access to the brain to remove a tumor, to relieve intracranial pressure, or to obtain access for other surgical procedures.
Cranioplasty
Surgical repair of the skull.
Osteoectomy
Surgical removal of bone.
Osteorrhaphy
Surgical suturing or working together of bones.
Osteotomy
Surgical cutting of a bone.
Periosteotomy
An incision through the periosteum to the bone.
Closed reduction
Aka manipulation. Attempted realignment of the bone involved in a fracture or joint dislocation.
Traction
A pulling force exerted on a limb in a distal direction in an effort to return the bone or joint to normal alignment.
External fixation
A fracture treatment procedure in which pins are placed through the soft tissues and bone so that an external appliance can be used to hold the pieces of bone firmly in place during healing. When healing is complete the appliance is removed.
Internal fixation
Aka open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is a fracture treatment in which a plate or pins are placed directly into the bone to hold the broken pieces in place. Not usually removed after the fracture has healed.
Diaphysis
The shaft of a long bone
Xiphoid process
Lower portion of sternum
Foramen
Opening in a bone through which blood vessels, nerves, and ligaments pass. Plural is foramina.
Process
A projection or outgrowth of tissue from a larger body part, typically a bone. These bony processes serve as attachment points for muscles, tendons, or ligaments and can also help form joints.
For example:
• The mastoid process is a bony prominence behind the ear that serves as an attachment for neck muscles.
• The xiphoid process, at the base of the sternum, connects with several muscles.
Zygomatic
Cheekbone
Olecranon process
Point of the elbow
Rheumatoid arthritis
Autoimmune arthritis
Myeloma
Type of cancer that occurs in blood-making cells found in the red bone marrow.
Ewing’s sarcoma
A rare and aggressive type of cancer that primarily affects bones and soft tissues, particularly in children and adolescents. It is part of a group of tumors known as Ewing’s sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT), which also includes peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET).
This cancer most commonly develops in the long bones, such as the femur, tibia, and humerus, but can also occur in other parts of the body, including the pelvis, ribs, and soft tissues. Ewing’s sarcoma typically causes symptoms like pain, swelling, and sometimes fever.
The exact cause of Ewing’s sarcoma is not fully understood, but it is thought to result from a genetic mutation, often involving a translocation between chromosomes 11 and 22. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Muscles
Make body movement possible, hold body erect, move body fluids, and produce body heat.
Fascia
Cover, support, and separate muscles.
Abduction
Movement of a limb away from the midline of the body.
Adduction
Movement of a limb toward the midline of the body.
Adhesion
A band of fibrous tissue that holds structure together abnormally.
Ataxia
The lack of muscle coordination during voluntary movement.
Atonic
Lacking normal muscle tone or strength.
Atrophy
Weakness or wearing away of body tissues and structures.
Bradykinesia
Extreme slowness in movement.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Inflammation and swelling of the tendons that pass through the carpal tunnel, which then create pressure on the median nerve.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
A debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and may be made worse by physical or mental activity.
Curcumduction
The circular movement at the far end of a limb.
Contracture
The permanent tightening of fascia, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or skin that occurs when normally elastic connective tissues are replaced with non-elastic fibrous tissues.
Dorsiflexion
Movement that bends the foot upward at the ankle.
Dyskinesia
Distortion or impairment of voluntary movement resulting in fragmented or jerky motions.
Dystonia
A condition of abnormal muscle tone that causes the impairment of voluntary muscle movement.
Electromyography
A diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity within muscle fibers in response to nerve stimulation.
Electromyography
A diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity within muscle fibers in response to nerve stimulation.
Epicondylitis
Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the elbows. Lateral is aka tennis elbow and medial aka golfers elbow.
Ergonomics
The study of human factors that affect the design and operation of tools and the work environment.
Exercise physiologist
A specialist who works under a physician’s supervision to develop, implement, and coordinate exercise programs, and administer medical tests to promote physical fitness.
Fasciitis
Inflammation of a fascia.
Fibromyalgia
A debilitating chronic condition characterized by fatigue; diffuse or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain; and a wide range of other symptoms.
Ganglion cyst
A harmless fluid-filled swelling that occurs most commonly on the outer surface of the wrist.
Heel spur
A calcium deposit in the plantar fascia near its attachment to the heel bone.
Hemiparesis
Slight paralysis or weakness affecting one side of the body.
Hemiplegia
Total paralysis affecting only one side of the body.
Hernia
The profusion of a part of a structure through the tissues normally containing it.
Hyperkinesia
Abnormally increased motor function or activity, aka hyperactivity.
Hypotonia
A condition of diminished tone of the skeletal muscles
Impingement syndrome
Inflammed and swollen tendons are caught in the narrow space between the bones within the shoulder joint.
Insertion
The point where the muscle ends by attaching to a bone or tendon.
Intermittent claudication
Pain in leg muscles that occurs during exercise and is relieved by rest.
Muscular dystrophy
A group of more than 30 genetic diseases that characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement, without affecting the nervous system.
Myasthenia gravis
A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the neuromuscular junction and produces serious weakness is voluntary muscles.
Myocele
The herniation (protrusion) of muscle substance through a tear in the fascia surrounding it.
Myoclonus
The quick involuntary jerking of a muscle or group of muscles.
Myofascial release
A specialized soft-tissue manipulation technique used to ease the pain of conditions such as fibromyalgia, myofacial pain syndrome, movement restrictions, temporomandibular joint disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Myolysis
The degeneration of muscle tissue.
Myoparesis
Weakness or slight muscular paralysis.
Neuromuscular
Pertaining to the relationship between nerve and muscle.
Oblique
Slanted or at an angle
Origin
The point where the muscle begins, located nearest the midline of the body or on a less movable part of the skeleton.
Paralysis
The loss of sensation and voluntary muscle movements in a muscle through disease or injury to its nerve supply.
Paraplegia
Paralysis of both legs and the lower part of the body.
Physiatrist
A physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation with the focus on restoring function.
Plantar fasciitis
Inflammation of the plantar fascia on the sole of the foot, causing foot or heel pain when walking or running.
Polymyositis
A muscle disease characterized by the simultaneous inflammation and weakening of voluntary muscles in many parts of the body.
Pronation
The act of rotating the armor the leg so the palm of the hand or sole of the foot is turned downward or backward.
Quadriplegia
Paralysis of all four extremities.
Sarcopenia
The loss of muscle mass, strength, and function that come with aging.
Shin splint
A painful condition caused by the tibialis anterior muscle tearing away from the tibia (shin bone).
Singultus
Myoclonus of the diaphragm that causes the characteristic hiccup sound with each spasm; aka hiccups
Sphincter
A ring-like muscle that tightly constricts the opening of a passageway.
Sprain
An injury to a joint, such as ankle, knee or wrist which usually occurs when a ligament is wrenched or torn.
Tenodesis
The suturing of the end of a tendon to a bone.
Tenolysis
The release of a tendon from adhesions.
Tenorrhaphy
The surgical suturing together of the divided ends of a tendon.
Tenosynovitis
An inflammation of the sheath surrounding a tendon.
Tenotomy
A surgical incision into a tendon.
Torticollis
A stiff neck due to spasmodic contraction of the neck muscles that pull the head toward the affected side; also known as wryneck.
Transverse
In a crosswise direction.
Muscle fibers
The long, slender cells that make up muscles. Each muscle consists of a group of fibers that are bound together by connective tissue.
Fascia
Band of connective tissue that envelops, separates, or binds together muscles or groups of muscles. Plural is fasciae or fascias.
Tendon
Narrow band of nonelastic, dense, fibrous connective tissue that attached a muscle to a bone.
Patellar tendon
Attached muscles to the bottom of the patella (kneecap).
Achilles tendon
Attaches the gastrocnemius muscle (the major muscle of the calf of the leg) to the heel bone.
Aponeurosis
Sheet-like fibrous connective tissue resembling a flattened tendon that connects muscles together or to a bone. Plies is aponeuroses.
Muscle innervation
Stimulation of a muscle by an impulse transmitted by a motor nerve. Motor nerves control the body’s voluntary muscular contractions.
Neuromuscular
Pertaining to the relationship between a nerve and muscle.
Antagonistic
Refers to working in opposition to each other. One relaxes and the other contracts.
Contraction
Tightening of a muscle
Relaxation
Muscle returns to original form.
Extension
Increases the angle of the elbow and moves hand away from the body.
Flexion
Decreases the angle of the elbow and moves the hand toward the body.
Rotation
A circular movement around an axis such as the shoulder joint.
Circumduction
The circular movement at the far end of a limb.
Dorsiflexion
Bends the foot upward at the ankle.
Plantar flexion
Bends the foot downward at the ankle.
Axis
An imaginary line that runs lengthwise through the center of the body / rotation turns a bone on its own axis.
Rotator cuff
The group of muscles and their tendons that hold the head of the humerus securely in place as it rotates within the shoulder joint.
Superficial
Near the surface
Sternocleidomastoid muscle
Helps bend the neck and rotate the head.
Mastoid muscle
Inserts at one point of insertion into the mastoid process (just behind the ear).
Pectoralis major
Thick fan-shaped muscle situated on the anterior chest wall.
Pectoral
Relating to the chest
Lateralis
Toward the side
Vastus lateralis
Large muscle toward the outer side of the leg.
Vastus
Latin word for huge
Medialis
Toward the midline.
Oblique
Slanted or at an angle
Rectus
In straight alignment with the vertical axis of the body.
Sphincter
A ring-like muscle that tightly constricts the opening of a passageway.
Biceps brachii
Aka biceps, is formed of two divisions.
Triceps brachii
Aka triceps / formed from 3 divisions.
Gluteus Maximus
The largest muscle of the buttock.
Deltoid muscle
Located on the shoulder and shaped like an inverted triangle.
Hamstring group
The muscles by which a butcher hangs a pig / consists of three separate muscles: the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semi membranous muscles.
Frontals / aka occipitofrontalis
Muscle in the forehead that raises and lowers the eyebrows.
Termporalis muscle
Moved the lower jaw up back to close the mouth.
Masseter muscle
One of the strongest in the body, moved the lower jaw up to close the mouth when chewing.
Pectoralis major
In male it makes up the bulk of the chest muscles / in female it lies under the breast.
External and internal oblique muscles
Found in the abdomen / external muscles rotate and flex the vertebral column, they also flex the torso and compress the abdomen / the internal muscles flex the spine, support the abdominal contents, help breathe and rotate the spine.
Rectus abdominis
Helps flex the trunk, assists in breathing, and supports the spine.
Transverse abdominis
Located on the side of the abdomen / this core muscle is engaged when a person laughs or coughs.
Deltoid
Forms muscular cap of the shoulder.
Trapezius muscle
Moved the head and shoulder blade.
Rectus femoris
Extends the leg at the knee.
Quadriceps femoris
Made up of 4 muscles, including the Vastus lateralis and Vastus medialis, which flex and extend the leg at the knee.
Gastrocnemius
The calf muscle that flexes the knee and bends the foot downward.
Exercise physiologist
A specialist who works under the supervision of a physician to develop, implement and coordinate exercise programs and administer medical tests to promote physical fitness.
Neurologist
A physician who specializes in treating the causes of paralysis and similar muscular disorders in which there is a loss of function.
Occupational therapist
Helps enable patients to participate in the activities of daily life, including self-care, eduction, work or social interaction.
Physiatrist
Physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehab with the focus on restoring function.
Rehabilitation
Restoration, following disease, illness, or injury, of the ability to function in a normal or near-normal manner.
Physical therapist
Provides treatment to prevent disability or restore function through the use of exercise, heat, massage, or other techniques.
Sports medicine physician
Specializes in treating sports-related injuries of the bones, joints, and muscles.
Fasciitis
Inflammation of a fascia
Fibromyalgia
Debilitating chronic condition characterized by fatigue, diffuse or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain, and a wide range of other symptoms.
Tenosynovitis
An inflammation of the sheath surrounding a tendon
Tendinitis
Inflammation of the tendons caused by excessive or unusual use of the joint. Aka tendonitis or tenonitis.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (cfs)
Disorder of unknown cause / debilitating and complex characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and made worse by physical and mental activity. Symptoms are similar to fibromyalgia / aka myalgic encephalomyelitis
Adhesion
A band of fibrous tissue that holds structured together abnormally. Adhesions can form in muscles or in internal organs, as the result of an injury or surgery.
Atrophy
Weakness or wearing away of body tissues and structures.
Myalgia
Tenderness or pain in muscles.
Myocele
Herniation (protrusion) of muscle substance through a tear in the fascia surrounding it.
Myolysis
The degeneration of muscle tissue.
Myorrhexis
The rupture or tearing of a muscle.
Polymyositis
A muscle disease characterized by the simultaneous inflammation and weakening of voluntary muscles in many parts of the body. The affected muscles are typically closest to the trunk of the body.
Rhabdomyolysis
Death of muscle fibers, which releases their contents into the bloodstream, where they can lead to complications including renal failure.
Gravis
Grave or serious
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)
Most common form in children / mostly young boys and progresses rapidly
Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD)
Very similar to duchenne but less severe
Compartment syndrome
Compression of nerves and blood vessels due to swelling within the “compartment” (an enclosed space created by the fascia that separates groups of muscles. Can be caused by trauma, tight bandage or casts, or repetitive activities such as running.
Overuse injuries
Overuse tendonitis aka overuse tendinitis, stress fracture
Myofascial pain syndrome
Chronic pain disorder that affects muscles and fascia throughout the body. Caused by muscle being contracted repetitively, and is characterized by trigger points producing local muscle pain.
Referred pain
Pain that originates in one area of the body but is felt in another.
Impingement syndrome
Inflamed and swollen tendons are caught in the narrow space between the bones within the shoulder joint. Common symptom is discomfort when raising arm above head.
Rotator cuff tendinitis
Inflammation of the tendons is the rotator cuff. Aka tennis shoulder or pitchers shoulder.
Ruptured rotator cuff
Offers when rotator cuff tendinitis is left untreated or if the overuse continues.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Occurs when the tendons that pass the of the carpal tunnel are chronically overused and become inflamed and swollen. This is in the wrist.
Carpal
Pertaining to the wrist
Ganglion cyst
Harmless fluid filled swelling that occurs most commonly on the outer surface of the wrist.
Strain
Injury to the body of the muscle or to the attachment of a tendon. Usually associated with overuse that involve a stretched or torn muscle or tendon.
Hamstring injury
Can be a strain or tear on any of the three hamstring muscles that straighten the hip and bend the knee. Characterized by a suddden and severe pain in the back of the thigh.
Iliotibial band syndrome
Overuse injury / IT band runs from the hipbone diagonally across the leg to the tibia. ITBS is caused by this band rubbing against bone often in the area of the knee.
Spinal cord injury (SCI)
The type of paralysis caused by this type of injury is determined by the level of the vertebra closest to the injury. The higher in the spinal cord the injury occurs the greater the area of the body that may be affected / injury occurs when a vertebra is broken and a piece of the broken bone is pressing into the spinal cord / when spinal cord is injured the ability of the brain to communicate with the body below the level of injury may be reduced or lost altogether.
Deep tendon reflexes (DTRs)
Tested with a reflex hammer that is used to strike a tendon / a reflex is an involuntary response to a stimulus /
Range of motion testing (ROM)
Diagnostic procedure to evaluate joint mobility and muscle strength . Used to increase flexibility, strength, and mobility.
Muscle biopsy
Involves removal of a plug of tissue for examination. A biopsy needle is commonly used to obtain this specimen.
Myalgia
Pain or tenderness in the muscles.
Spasm
Any sudden, involuntary contraction of one or more muscles.
Cramp
A painful localized muscle spasm often named for its cause / Charley horse is slang for cramp.
Antispasmodic
Aka anticholinergic / administered to suppress smooth muscle contractions of the stomach, intestine, or bladder (atropine is an example antispasmodic)
Skeletal muscle relaxant
Administered to relax certain muscles and to relieve the stiffness, pain, and discomfort caused by sprains, strains, or other muscle injuries. These meds act on the central nervous system and may have a negative interaction with alcohol and some antidepressants.
Neuromuscular blocker
Aka neuromuscular blocking agent / a drug that causes temporary paralysis by blocking the transmission of nerve stimuli to the muscles. These are used as an adjunct to anesthesia during surgery to cause skeletal muscles to relax.
Ergonomics
The study of the human factors that affect the design and operation of tools and the work environment.
Myofascial release
Specialized soft tissue manipulation technique used to ease the pain of conditions such as fibromyalgia, Myofascial pain syndrome, movement restrictions, temporomandibular joint (tmj) disorders and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Occupational therapy (OT)
Activities to promote recovery and rehabilitation to assist patients in performing the activities of daily living (ADL) which include grooming, eating and dressing.
Physical therapy (pt)
Treatment to prevent disability or restore function through the use of exercise, heat, massage, or other techniques.
Therapeutic ultrasound
High frequency sound waves to treat muscle injuries by generating heat deep within muscle tissue / this heat eases pain, reduces muscle spasms and accelerated healing by increasing the flow of blood into the target tissues.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
A device that delivers electrical impulses through the skin, which cause change in muscles.
RICE
Most common first air treatment of muscular injuries (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
Fasciotomy
A surgical incision through the fascia to relieve tension or pressure
Fascioplasty
Surgical repair of a fascia
Tenodesis
Surgical suturing of the end of a tendon to a bone
Tenolysis
Release of a tendon from adhesions
Tenorrhaphy
Surgical suturing together of the divided ends of a tendon.
Tenotomy
Surgical incision into a tendon.
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle tenotomy (PNT)
Used to treat chronic tendon pain by using ultrasound-guided needle insertions to stimulate scar tissue healing within the tendon. PNT can be used in conjunction with platelet-rich plasma therapy, in which some of the patients blood is injected into the scar tissue to promote increased blood flow and healing.
Pathological fracture
Bone breaks in an area that is weakened by disease, such as osteoporosis, some cancers infection and some inherited bone disorders.
Stress fracture
Common among athletes, this is a small crack in a bone cause by overuse and repetitive activity.
Closed fracture
The broken bone doesn’t break the skin.
Open fracture
The ends of the broken bone tear through the skin, putting the patient at higher risk of infection.
Myalgia
Severe muscle pain
Carpal tunnel release
Surgical enlargement of the carpal tunnel or cutting of the carpal ligaments
Angi/o, vaso/o
Blood vessels
Capill/o
Capillaries
Phleb/o, ven/o
Veins
Heart
Located in the thoracic cavity, between the lungs and the size of a fist. Receives blood from veins and pumps blood into the arteries.
Blood vessels
Transport blood to and from all areas of the body
Arteries
Transports blood away from the heart to all parts of the body
Capillaries
Permit the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the blood and the cells
Veins
Return blood from all body parts to the heart
Blood
Brings oxygen and nutrients to the cells and carries away waste
Aort/o
Aorta
Thromb/o
Clot
Cardiovascular
Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.
Apex
Lower tip of the heart
Pericardium
Aka pericardial sac, is the double-walled membranous sac that encloses the heart. Parietal pericardium is a fibrous sac that surrounds and protects the heart. Pericardial fluid is found between these two layers where it acts as lubricant to prevent friction as the heart beats. Visceral pericardium is the inner layer of the pericardium that also forms the outer layer of the heart. When referred road the outer layer of the heart it is known as the epicardium.
Walls of the heart
Made up of 3 layers: the epicardium, myocardium and endocardium. The epicardium is external layer of the heart and the inner layer of the pericardium. Myocardium is the middle and thickest layer of the heart - aka myocardial muscle - which maintains the constant contraction and relaxation that creates the pumping of the blood throughout the body. Endocardium, consists of epithelial tissue, and is the inner lining of the heart. Comes in direct contact with the blood.
Coronary arteries
Supply oxygen-rich blood to the myocardium (veins remove waste products from the myocardium).
Chambers of the heart
4 chambers: atria are the two upper chambers and ventricles are the two lower. The upper are divided by the interstitial septum (wall). Atria receive the blood. The ventricles are divided by the interventricular septum. Ventricle walls are thicker than atria because they pump blood through the entire body. Ventricle is also defined as a normal hollow chamber of the brain.
Valves of the heart
4 valves. Is any are not working correctly blood cannot flow properly through the heart or be pumped effectively through all parts of the body. Tricuspid valve controls the opening between the right atrium and right ventricle. The term tricuspid means having three cusps (points). Pulmonary semilunar valve is located between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery. This valve is shaped like a half-moon. Mitral valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle. Aka bicuspid valve because it has two cusps (points). Aortic semilunar valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta. Half-moon shape.
Pulmonary
Pertaining to the lungs
Semilunar
Half moon
Mitral
Shaped liked a bishops mitre (hat).
Blood flow through the heart
Right atrium received oxygen poor blood from all tissues (except the lungs) through the superior and inferior venae cavae. Blood flows out of the right atrium through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps the oxygen poor blood through the pulmonary semilunar valve and into the pulmonary artery, which then carries it to the lungs. The left atrium receives oxygen rich blood from the lungs through the 4 pulmonary veins. The blood flows out of the left atrium through the mitral valve and into the left ventricle. The left ventricle receives oxygen rich blood from the left atrium. Blood flows out of the left ventricle through the aortic semilunar valve and into the aorta, which carries it to all parts of the body, except the lungs. Oxygen poor blood is returned by the venae cavae to the right atrium and the cycle continues.
Pulmonary circulation
The flow of blood only between the heart and lungs. The pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood out of the right ventricle and into the lungs. This is the only place where deoxygenated blood is carried by arteries instead of veins. In the lungs. Carbon dioxide from the body is exchanged for oxygen from the inhaled air. The pulmonary veins carry the oxygenated blood from the lungs into the left atrium of the heart. This is the only place in the body where veins carry oxygenated blood. Systemic circulation includes the flow of blood to all parts of the body except the lungs. Oxygenated blood flows out of left ventricle and into arterial circulation. The veins carry deoxygenated blood into the right atrium. Then blood flows into the pulmonary circulation before being pumped out of the heart into the arteries again.
Heartbeat
The ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body; the contraction and relaxation (beating) of the heart must occur in exactly the correct sequence. This is determined by electrical impulses from nerves that stimulate the myocardium of the chambers of the heart. Aka the conduction system, these impulses are controlled by the sinoatrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV), and the bundle of His.
Sinoatrial node
Aka SA node, located in the posterior wall of the right atrium near the entrance of the superior vena cava. Establishes the basic rhythm and rate of heartbeat. Aka natural pacemaker. Electrical impulses from the SA node start each wave of muscle contraction in the heart. The impulse in the right atrium spreads over the muscles of both atria, causing them to contract simultaneously. This contraction forces the blood in to the ventricles.
Atrioventricular node
Impulses from the SA node also travel to the AV node. The AV node is located on the floor of the right atrium near the interstitial septum. From here, it transmits the electrical impulses onward to the bundle of His.
The Bindle of His (HISS)
A group of fibers located within the interventricular septum. These fibers carry an electrical impulse to ensure the sequence of the heart contractions. These electrical impulses travel onward to the right and left ventricle and the Purkinje fibers. The Purkinje fibers are specialized conductive fibers located within the walls of the ventricles. These fibers, named for Jan Purkinje, relay the electrical impulses to the cells of the ventricles, and it is this stimulation that causes the ventricles to contract. The contraction of the ventricles forces blood out of the heart and into the aorta and pulmonary arteries.
Electrical waves
The electrical conduction system of the heart can be visualized as wave movements on a monitor as an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). The term sinus rhythm refers to the normal beating of the heart. The P wave is due to the stimulation (contraction) of the stria. The QRS complex shows the stimulation (contraction) of the ventricles. The atria relax as the ventricles contract. The T wave is the recovery (relaxation) of the ventricles.
3 types of blood vessels
Arteries, capillaries, and veins
Arteries
Large blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to all regions of the body. Walls of arteries composed of 3 layers making the arteries muscular and elastic so they can expand and contract with the pumping beat of the heart. Arterial blood is bright red in color because it is oxygen rich. The pumping action of the heart causes blood to spurt out when an artery is cut. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It begins from the left ventricle of the heart and forms the main trunk of the arterial system. The carotid arteries are the major arteries that carry blood upward to the head. Common carotid artery is located on each side of the neck. It divides into the internal carotid artery which brings oxygen rich blood to the brain. The external carotid artery brings blood to the face. Any disruption of the blood flow can result in a stroke or other brain damage. The arteries are the smaller, thinner branches of arteries that deliver blood to the capillaries. As it enters one end of the capillary bed, it is here that the rate of flow of arterial blood slows.
Capillaries
One epithelial cell in thickness, smallest blood vessel in the body. They deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells of tissues. The capillaries further slow the flow of blood to allow plasma to flow into the tissues. It’s here that the exchange of oxygen, nutrients and waste materials occur within the surrounding cells. After leaving the cells, 90% of this fluid, which is now oxygen poor and contains some waste products, enter the opposite end of the capillary bed through the venules. The 10% of this fluid that is left behind in the tissues becomes lymph.
Veins
Low-pressure collecting system to return oxygen-poor blood to the heart. Contain valves to prevent backward flow of blood. Venules are the smallest veins that join to form the larger veins. The walls of the veins are thinner and less elastic than those of the arteries. The venous blood continues its flow at an increased speed as it continues its return journey to the heart. Veins have valves that enable blood to flow only toward the heart and to prevent it from flowing away from the heart. Superficial veins are located near the body surface. Deep veins are located within the tissues and away from the body surface.
The venae cavae
The two largest veins in the body. These veins return blood into the heart. The superior vena cava transports blood from the upper portion of the body to the heart. The inferior vena cava transports blood from the lower portion of the body to the heart.
Pulse
The rhythmic pressure against the walls of an artery caused by the contraction of the heart.
Blood pressure
Measurement of the amount of systolic and diastolic pressure exerted against the walls of the arteries. Systolic pressure, which occurs when the ventricles contract, is the highest pressure against the walls of an artery. Diastolic pressure, which occurs when the ventricles are relaxed, is the lowest pressure against the walls of an artery.
Systole / systolic
Contraction of the heart
Diastole / diastolic
Relaxation of the heart
Blood
The fluid tissue in the body. Composed of 55% liquid plasma and 45% formed elements. Included erythrocytes, thrombocytes, and leukocytes.
Plasma
Straw-colored fluid that contains nutrients, hormones, and waste products. 91% water / remaining 9% consists of mainly proteins, including the clotting proteins. Serum is plasma fluid after the blood cells and the clotting proteins have been removed. Fibrinogen prothrombin are the clotting proteins found in plasma.
Leukocytes
Aka white blood cells (WBC), are the blood cells involved in defending the body against infective organisms and foreign substances.
Hem/o
Blood
Major groups of leukocytes
Neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes
Neutrophils, formed in red bone marrow, are the most common type of wbc. Through phagocytosis, neutrophils play a major role in the immune system’s defense against pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Phagocytosis is the process of destroying pathogens by surrounding and swallowing them. Basophils, also formed in red bone marrow, are the least common type of wbc. Basophils are responsible for causing symptoms of allergies. Eosinophils are formed in red bone marrow and then migrate to tissues throughout the body. These cells destroy parasitic organisms and play a major role in allergic reactions. Lymphocytes are formed in red bone marrow, in lymph nodes, and in the spleen. Lymphocytes identify foreign substances and germs (bacteria or virus) in the body and produce antibodies that specifically target them. Monocytes are formed in red bone marrow, lymph nodes, and the spleen. Through phagocytosis, monocytes provide immunological defenses against many infectious organisms.
Thrombocytes
Aka platelets, are the smallest formed elements in the blood. They play an important role in clotting the blood. When a blood vessel is damaged, the thrombocytes are activated and become sticky. This action causes the thrombocytes to clump together to form a clot to stop the bleeding.
Blood types
Classified according to the presence or absence of certain antigens. An antigen is any substance that the body regards as being foreign. Typical blood types are listed as type followed by Rh factor (A-, O+). The four major blood types are A, AB, B, and O. A or B groups are based on A, AB, B antigens being present while O both are absent.
The Rh factor
Defines the presence or absence of the Rh antigen on red blood cells. The Rh factor was named so because this antigen was first found in rhesus monkeys. About 85% of Americans have the Rh antigen and these individuals are described as being Rh+. The remaining 15% don’t and are Rh-. The Rh factor is an important consideration in cross matching blood for transfusions. The Rh factor can cause difficulties when a Rh+ infant is born to an Rh- mother.
Blood gases
Gases that are normally dissolved in the liquid portion of blood. The major blood gases are oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.
Specialists related to the cardiovascular system
Cardiologist, hematologist, and vascular surgeon. A cardiologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating abnormalities, diseases and disorders of the heart. A hematologist… blood and blood-forming tissues. Vascular surgeon… blood vessels.
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Aka coronary heart disease (chd) and ischemic heart disease. Atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries that reduces the blood supply to the heart muscle. This creates an insufficient supply of oxygen that can cause angina (pain), a myocardial infarction (heart attack), or death. CAD is the most common type of heart disease. End-stage coronary artery disease is characterized by unrelenting angina pain and a severely limited lifestyle.
Atherosclerosis
Hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by a buildup of cholesterol plaque on the interior walls of the arteries. This type of plaque, found within the lumen of an artery, is a fatty deposit similar to the buildup of rust inside a pipe. The lumen is the opening within these vessels through which the blood flows. The plaque can protrude outward into the limen from the wall of the blood vessel or protrude inward into the wall of the vessel. An atheroma, which is characteristic of atherosclerosis, is a deposit of plaque on or within the arterial wall.
Ather/o
Plaque or fatty substance
Ischemia
A condition in which there is an insufficient supply of oxygen in the tissues due to restricted blood flow to a part of the body.
Isch
To hold back
Angina
Aka angina pectoris… a condition in which severe episodes of chest pain occur due to an inadequate blood flow to the myocardium. These episodes are due to ischemia of the heart muscle and often progressively worsen as the blood flow continues to be compromised until a myocardial infarction occurs. Stable angina occurs during exertion (exercise) and resolves with rest. Unstable angina may occur either during exertion or rest and is a precursor to a myocardial infarction.
Myocardial infarction
Aka Heart attack… the blockage/occlusion of one or more coronary arteries caused by plaque buildup. The term infarction means a sudden insufficiency of blood. An infarct is a localized area of dead tissue caused by a lack of blood. Tissue death is known as necrosis, Greek for death. This damage to the myocardium impairs the hearts ability to pump blood throughout the body. Symptoms of myocardial infarction include pain or pressure in the middle of the chest that may spread to the back, jaw, or left arm. Many individuals having a heart attack have no symptoms at all. Women are more likely to have atypical symptoms including weakness and fatigue.
Heart failure
Aka congestive heart failure (CHF). Occurs mostly Olin elderly, often after the heart has been weakened or damaged by other health issues. In this chronic condition the heart is unable to pump out all of the blood that it receives. The decreased pumping action causes congestion (fluid buildup). Left-sided heart failure causes pulmonary edema. This happens because the left side of the heart, which is the main pumping chamber, is unable to pump oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. The increase in pressure in the veins of the lungs results in localized fluid accumulation. Right-sided heart failure, often the result of left-sided heart failure, causes fluid buildup throughout the rest of the body. This occurs because the right side of the heart is unable to effectively pump blood throughout the rest of the body. Due to the pressure of gravity, this edema, or swelling, is first noticeable in the feet and legs. As the swelling worsens, it can also affect the live, gi tract, or the arms. Cardiomegaly is the abnormal enlargement of the heart that is frequently associated with heart failure as the heart enlarged in an effort to compensate for its decreased pumping ability.
Carditis
Inflammation of the heart. Endocarditis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart. Bacterial carditis is an inflammation of the lining or valves of the heart caused by the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. One cause can be dental surgery because it can allow bacteria to enter the blood stream. Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium. This inflammation causes an accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac, and this excess fluid restricts the movement of the heart, reducing the ability of the heart to pump blood throughout the body. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the myocardium (heart muscle) that develops as a rarely seen complication of a viral infection.
Cardiomyopathy
Term used to describe all diseases of the heart muscle. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that causes the heart to become enlarged and to pump less strongly. The progression of this condition is usually slow and only presents with symptoms when quite advanced. Dilated means the expansion of a hollow structure.
Heart valves
Heart murmur is an abnormal blowing or clicking sound heard when listening to the heart or a neighboring large blood vessel. Heart murmurs are most often caused by defective heart valves, but they do not usually require surgery unless they affect the patient’s quality of life. Valvulitis is an inflammation of a heart valve. Valvular prolapse is the abnormal protrusion of a heart valve that results in the inability of the valve to close completely. Prolapse means the falling down or dropping down of an organ or internal part. This condition is named for the affected valve, such as a mitral valve prolapse. Valvular stenosis is a condition in which there is narrowing, stiffening l, thickening, or blockage of one or more valves of the heart. These conditions are named for the affected valve, such as aortic stenosis.
Systole
Contraction
Arrhythmia
The loss of the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. This can be a minor, temporary episode, or it can be a fatal event. The severity of this episode depends on how much the heart’s ability to pump blood is compromised. Rather than being an abnormality in the heart muscle, arrhythmias are usually caused by an abnormality in the electrical conduction system of the heart.
Asystole
Aka flatline is the complete lack of electrical activity in the heart. The resulting lack of heart contractions, with no blood pumping from the heart and no blood flow through the body is one of the conditions required for a medical practitioner to certify death.
Systole
Contraction
Cardiac arrest
An event in which the heart abruptly stops beating or develops an arrhythmia that prevents it from pumping blood effectively.
Sudden cardiac death
Results when treatment of cardiac arrest is not provided within a few minutes.
Heart block
A congenital or acquired arrhythmia caused by the electrical signal moving through the heart being partially or completely blocked from reaching the ventricles.
Bradycardia
An abnormally slow resting heart rate (usually applied to a heartbeat of less than 60 bpm). This condition can occur when the passage of electricity from top to bottom of the heart is partially or totally blocked.
Tachycardia
An abnormally rapid resting heartbeat (usually applied to a heartbeat greater than 100 bpm).
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
Aka paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. An episode that begins and ends abruptly during which there are very rapid and regular heartbeats that originate at or above the atrioventricular node.
Ventricular tachycardia
Aka v-tach. A very rapid heartbeat that begins with the ventricles. Potentially fatal because heart is beating so rapidly it is unable to adequately pump blood throughout the body.
Fibrillation
Describes a potentially life-threatening fast and irregular heartbeat, compared to the fast but regular rhythm of tachycardia. The addition of atrial or ventricle identified which chambers are affected. Atrial (aka a-fib) most common and occurs when the normal rhythmic contractions of the atria are replaced by rapid, uncontrolled twitching of the muscular heart wall. Causes quivering action of the atria. Ventricular (v-fib) consists of rapid, irregular, and useless contractions of the ventricles… heart muscles quiver in effectively. The cause of many sudden cardiac deaths. Palpitation is a pounding or racing heartbeat with or without irregularity in rhythm. This condition of associated with certain heart disorders however it can also occur during a panic attack.
Vasculitis
Inflammation of a blood vessel. Several types of vasculitis including phlebitis (veins) and arthritis or angiitis (arteries).
Vasculitis
Inflammation of a blood vessel. Several types of vasculitis including phlebitis (veins) and arthritis or angiitis (arteries).
Polyarteritis
A form of vasculitis involving several medium and small arteries at the same time. A rare but serious blood disease that occurs when certain immune cells attack the affected arteries.
Temporal arteries
Aka giant cell arthritis. A form of vasculitis that can cause headaches, visual impairment, jaw pain, and other symptoms. Has a presence of abnormally large cells. Can cause unilateral or bilateral blindness and more rarely, a stroke.
Angiostenosis
The abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel
Hemangioma
A benign tumor made up of newly formed blood vessels.
Hypoperfusion
A deficiency of blood passing through an organ or body part. Perfusion is the flow of blood through the vessels of an organ.
Aneurysm
Localized weak spot or balloon-like enlargement of the wall of an artery. Rupture of an aneurysm can be fatal.
Arteriostenosis
The abnormal narrowing of an artery or arteries.
Chronic venous insufficiency
Aka venous insufficiency. A condition in which venous circulation is inadequate due to partial vein blockage or to the leakage of venous valves. Can cause discolaration of the skin and primarily affects the feet and ankles.
Phlebitis
Aka thrombophlebitis. Inflammation of a vein.
Varicose veins
Abnormally swollen veins that usually occur in the superficial veins of the legs. This condition occurs when the valves in these veins do not function properly, so blood pools in the veins, causing them to enlarge.
Throm
Clot
Thrombosis
The abnormal condition of having a thrombus (clot) attached to the interior wall of an artery or vein.
Occlusion
Blockage
Thrombotic occlusion
The blocking of an artery by a thrombus (clot).
Coronary thrombosis
Damage to the heart muscle caused by a thrombus (clot) blocking a coronary artery.
Coron
Crown
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Aka deep venous thrombosis. The condition of having a thrombus attached to the interior wall of a deep vein. Sometimes happen when patient is in bed for an extended time or someone who has remained seated in an airplane for too long. The danger is the thrombus (clot) will break off and travel to the lungs.
Embolus
Foreign object circulating in the blood, such as a blood clot, a quantity of air or gas, or a bit of tissue or tumor.
Embolism
The sudden blockage of a blood vessel by an embolus.
Embol
Something inserted
Peripheral arterial diseases
Disorders of blood vessels that are located outside of the heart or brain. These conditions usually involve narrowing of the vessels that carry blood to the legs, arms, stomach or kidneys.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Aka peripheral arterial occlusive disease / an example of a peripheral vascular disease that is caused by artherosclerosis. Common and serious problem affecting more than 20% of people age 70 and older. Impaired circulation in extremities can cause changes in the skin color and temperature. One method of determining is to compare blood pressure at the ankle with blood pressure at the arm using the ankle-brachial index. PAD is also involved with intermittent claudication.
Raynaud’s disease
A peripheral arterial occlusive disease in which intermittent attacks are triggered by cold or stress. The symptoms, which are due to constricted circulation, include paleness, blue color, and redness of fingers and toes.
Blood disorders
Blood dyscrasia is any pathological condition of the cellular elements of the blood. Hemochromatosis, aka iron overload disease, is a genetic disorder in which the intestines absorb too much iron… it enters the blood stream and accumulates in organs. Leukopenia is a decrease in the number of disease-fighting white blood cells circulating in the blood. Aka low white blood cell count. Polycythemia is an abnormal increase in the number of red cells in the blood due to the excess production of these cells by the bone marrow. Sepsis, aka septicemia, is a potentially life-threatening infection that results from bacteria or other infectious organisms entering the bloodstream. Sometimes referred to as blood poisoning. Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which there is an abnormally small number of platelets circulating in the blood. Sometimes associated with abnormal bleeding. Thrombocytes is an abnormal increase in the number of platelets in the circulating blood. A hemorrhage is the loss of a large amount of blood in a short time. A transfusion reaction is a serious and potentially fatal complication of a blood transfusion in which a severe immune response occurs because the patient’s blood and the donated blood don’t match.
Cholesterol
A fatty substance that travels through the blood and is found in all parts of the body. It aids in the production of cell membranes, some hormones, and vitamin D. Some cholesterol comes from dietary sources and some is created by the liver. Excessively high levels of some types of cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Hyperlipidemis is the general term used to describe elevated levels of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood.
Chromat
Color
Leukemia
Type of cancer characterized by a progressive increase in the number of abnormal leukocytes found in blood-forming tissues, other organs and circulating in the blood. Types of leukemia are named for how quickly they progress and the type of white blood cells involved. The four most common types of leukemia are acute or chronic myeloid leukemia and acute or chronic lymphoblastic leukemia. Myelodysplastic syndrome is a type of cancer in which there is insufficient production of one or more types of blood cells due to dysfunction of the bone marrow.
Anemias
Anemia is the lower-than-normal number of erythrocytes in the blood causing fatigue and shortness of breath. The severity of this condition is usually measured by a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. When inadequate hemoglobin is present, all parts of the body receive less oxygen and have less energy than is needed to function properly. Aplastic anemia is characterized by an absence of all formed blood elements caused by the failure of blood cell production in the bone marrow. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. This deficiency can be caused by blood loss, poor absorption of iron, or inadequate dietary intake of iron. Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder characterized by anemia in which the red blood cells are larger than normal. Usually results in a deficiency of vitamin B12. Pernicious anemia is caused by lack of the protein intrinsic factor (IF) that helps the body absorb vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract. This vitamin is necessary in the formation of red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia is characterized by an inadequate number of circulating red blood cells due to the premature destruction of red blood cells by the spleen. Most common are sickle cell (genetic causing abnormal hemoglobin with red blood cells in the sickle shape) and thalassemia (inherited blood disorder that causes mild to severe anemia due to reduced hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells than normal).
Cardiac catheterization
A diagnostic and treatment procedure in which a catheter is passed into a vein or artery and then guided into the heart. It is used to perform angiography and during treatment.
Diagnostic procedures of the cardiovascular system
Angiography, cardiac catheterization, digital subtraction angiography, duplex ultrasound, venography (aka phlebography.
Digital subtraction angiography (DSA)
Uses angiography with computer assistance to clarify the view of the area of interest in the cardiovascular system by subtracting the soft tissue and bones from images.
Duplex ultrasound
A diagnostic procedure to image the structure of the blood vessels and the flow of blood through the vessels. This is a combination of diagnostic ultrasound to show the structure of the blood vessels and Doppler ultrasound to show the movement of the red blood cells through these vessels.
Venography
Aka phlebography is a radiographic test that provides an image of specific veins after a contrast dye is injected. The resulting film is a venogram. This is a very accurate test for detecting deep veins thrombosis.
Electrocardiography
The noninvasive process of recording the electrical activity of the myocardium. A noninvasive procedure does not require the insertion of an instrument through the body opening for diagnosis or treatment.
Electrocardiogram
A record of the electrical activity of the myocardium.
Holter monitor
A portable electrocardiograph that is worn by an ambulatory patient to continuously monitor the heart rates and rhythms over a 24- or 48- hour period.
Stress test
Performed to asses cardiovascular health and function during and after stress. Involves measuring with an electrocardiograph while the patient exercises on a treadmill.
Thallium stress test
Performed to evaluate how well blood flows through the coronary arteries of the heart muscle during exercise while injecting a small amount of thallium into the bloodstream.
Compliance
Accuracy and consistency with which the patient follows the physicians instructions.
Antihypertensive
A medication administered to lower blood pressure. Types are: ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme) which blocks the action of the enzyme that causes the blood vessels to contract, resulting in hypertension. When this enzyme is blocked the blood vessels are able to dilate (enlarge) and this reduces blood pressure. Used to treat hypertension and heart failure. ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers) are similar. A beta-blocker reduces the workload of the heart by slowing the rate of the heartbeat. Calcium channel blocker agents cause the heart and blood vessels to relax by decreasing the movement of calcium into the cells of these structures. Reduced the workload in the heart by increasing the supply of blood and oxygen. A diuretic is administered to stimulate the kidneys to increase the secretion of urine to rid the body of excess sodium and water.
Antiarrhythmic
A medication administered to control irregularities of the heartbeat… an anticoagulant slows coagulation and prevents new clots from forming. Coagulation is the process of clotting blood. These medication are often referred to as blood thinners but they don’t actually make the blood thinner. Coumadin (aka warfarin) is often prescribed for patients with clotting difficulties, certain heartbeat irregularities or after a heart attack or heart valve replacement surgery. Heparin is similar but works faster than Coumadin but must be administered via iv.
Other Medications to control irregularities of the heartbeat
Aspirin, cholesterol lowering drugs, digitalis, thrombotic, tissue plasminogen activator, vasoconstrictor, vasodilator, nitroglycerin,
Surgeries to Clear Blocked arteries and veins
Angioplasty, precutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) aka balloon angioplasty, laser angioplasty, stent, restenosis, the rectory, carotid endarterectomy
Defibrillation
Aka cardioversion… the use of electrical shock to restore the heart’s normal rhythm.
Treatment of cardiac arrest and arrhythmias
Defibrillation, (AED), artificial pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, cardiac or catheter ablation, valvuloplasty, heart valve replacement, trans catheter aortic valve replacement, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (cpr), compression only resuscitation.
Aneurysmectomy
Surgical removal of an aneurysm
Aneurysmorrhsphy
Aka aneurysmoplasty… surgical suturing of an aneurysm
Aneurysm clipping
Surgical method to isolate an aneurysm from the rest of the circulatory system by placing a small clip across its neck. The titanium clip remains in place permanently to prevent blood from flowing into the aneurysm.
Arteriectomy
Surgical removal of an artery
Hemostasis
To stop or control bleeding.
Plasmapheresis
Aka plasma exchange… the removal of whole blood from the body and separation of the bloods cellular elements.
Venule
Small vessels that pick up blood from the capillaries and deposit it into larger veins for transport back to the heart.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
The most advanced and fatal stage of an HIV infection.
Allergen
A substance that produces an allergic reaction in an individual.
Anaphylaxis
A severe response to an allergen in which the symptoms develop quickly, and without help, the patient can die.
Antibiotics
A medication that is capable of inhibiting the growth of or killing pathogenic bacterial microorganisms.
Antibody
A disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen.
Antifungal
An agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi.
Antigen
Any substance that the body regards as foreign.
Antigen-antibody reaction
The bindings of antigens to antibodies.
Autoimmune disorder
Any of a large group of diseases characterized by a condition in which the immune system produces antibodies to work against its own tissues l, mistaking healthy cells, tissues, organs for antigens.
Bacilli
Rod-shaped spore forming bacteria.
Bacteria
A group of one-called microscopic organisms, some of which are pathogenic.
Benign
Not life-threatening.
Candidiasis
An infection caused by yeast, a type of fungus.
Carcinoma
A milignant 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.
Complement system
A group of proteins that normally circulate in the blood in an inactive form. When needed, these cells complement the ability of antibodies to ward off pathogens by combining with them to dissolve and remove pathogenic bacteria and other foreign cells.
Cytokines
A group of proteins such as interferons and interleikukind released primarily by the T cells that act as intracellular signals to begin the immune response.
Cytomegalovirus
A group of large herpes-type viruses found in most body fluids and most often causing an infection without signs or symptoms. Can cause a serious illness when the individual has a weakened immune system or when passed from mother to unborn child.
Cytotoxic drug
Medication that kills or damages cells.
Duct carcinoma in situ
Breast cancer at its earliest stage, before the cancer has broken through the wall of the milk duct.
Hemolytic
Describes the function of destroying worn-out erythrocytes (red blood cells) and releasing their hemoglobin for reuse.
Herpes zoster
An acute viral infection characterized by painful skin eruptions that follow the underlying route of the inflamed nerve.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
A malignancy of the lymphatic system that is distinguished from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by the presence of large, cancerous lymphocytes.
Human immunodeficiency virus
A bloodborne infection in which the virus damages or kills the T cells of the immune system.
Immunoglobulins
Bind with specific antigens in the antigen-antibody response.
Immunosuppressant
A substance that prevents or reduces the body’s normal immune response.
Immunotherapy
A treatment of disease by either stimulating or repressing the immune response.
Infectious mononucleosis
An infection caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that is characterized by fever, a sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes.
Infiltrating ductal carcinoma
Breast cancer that starts in the milk ducts, breaks through the wall of that duct and invades the surrounding fatty breast tissue; aka invasive ductal carcinoma.
Interferons
Produced in response to the presence of antigens, particularly viruses or tumor cells. They activate the immune system, fight viruses and signal other cells to increase their defenses.
Lymphadenopathy
Any disease process affecting a lymph node or nodes.
Lymphangioma
A benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system.
Lymphedema
Swelling due to abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues.
Lymphocytes
One of three types of cells that are formed in bone marrow as stem cells that act as specialized antibodies.
Lymphoma
A general term applied to malignancies affecting lymphoid tissues.
Lymphoscintigraphy
A diagnostic test to detect damage or malformations of the lymphatic vessels.
Macrophage
A type of leukocyte that surrounds and kills invading cells.
Malaria
A disease caused by a parasite that lives in certain mosquitos and is transferred to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Malignant
Becoming progressively worse and life-threatening.
Mammography
A radiographic examination of the breasts to detect the presence of tumors or precancerous cells.
Metastasis
The process by which cancer is spread to a new site; may refer to the tumor itself.
Metastasize
To spread from one place to another.
Myoma
A benign tumor made up of muscle tissue.
Myosarcoma
A malignant tumor derived from muscle tissue.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
The term used to describe all lymphoma’s other than Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Opportunistic infection
Caused by a pathogen that normally does not cause illness in healthy humans, but is able to cause an infection in a weakened host.
Osteosarcoma
A hard tissue sarcoma, usually involving the upper shaft of long bones, the pelvis, or the knees.
Parasite
A plant or an animal that lives on or within another living organism at the expense of that organism.
Rabies
And acute viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite or saliva of an infected animal.
Rickettsia
Small bacteria that lives in lice, fleas, ticks, and mites that transmit infection to humans.
Rubella
A viral infection characterized by a low-grade fever, swollen glands, inflamed eyes, and a fine, pink rash; also known as German measles or 3-day measles.
Sarcoma
A malignant tumor that arises from connective tissue; plural, sarcomas or sarcomata.
Spirochetes
Long, slender spiral shaped bacteria that have flexible walls, and are capable of movement.
Splenomegaly
Abnormal enlargement of the spleen.
Staphylococci
Group of about 30 species of bacteria that form irregular groups or clusters, resembling groups.
Streptococci
Bacteria that form a chain.
Systemic reaction
A severe reaction to an allergen; also described as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock.
Teletherapy
Radiation therapy administered at a distance from the body that is precisely targeted with the use of three-dimensional computer imaging.
Toxoplasmosis
A parasite that is most commonly transmitted from pets to humans by contact with common contaminated animal animal feces.
Varicella
A highly contagious disease caused by a herpes virus, characterized by a fever and rash; also known as chickenpox.
Epiglottis
Closed off the trachea during swallowing
Trachea
Transports air back and forth between the pharynx and the bronchi. Main airway of the lungs.
Bronchi
Transports air from the trachea into the lungs.
Alveoli
Air sacs that exchange gases with the pulmonary capillary blood.
Alveoli
The very small grape light clusters found at the end of each bronchiole.
Anoxia
The absence of oxygen from the bodies, tissues and organs, even though there is adequate flow of blood
Antitussive
Medication administered to prevent or relieve coughing.
Aphonia
Loss of the ability of the Larix to produce normal speech sounds.
Asbestosis
The form of pneumoconiosis caused by asbestos particles in the lungs.
Asphyxia
The loss of consciousness that occurs when the body cannot get the oxygen it needs to function.
Asthma
A chronic, inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes, often triggered by an allergic reaction and characterized by episodes of severe, breathing, difficulty, coughing, and wheezing.
Atelectasis
The incomplete expansion of part are all of a lung due to a blockage of the air passages or pneumothorax.
Bradypnea
And abnormally slow rate of respiration, usually of less than 10 breast per minute.
Bronchodilator
A medication that relaxes and expands the bronchi passages into the lungs.
Bronchorrhea
An excessive discharge of mucus from the bronchi.
Bronchoscopy
The visual examination of the bronchi through 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.
Cheyne-Stokes respiration
And a regular pattern of breathing characterized by alternating rapid or shallow respiration followed by slower, respiration or apnea.
Croup
And acute respiratory syndrome in children and infant characterized by obstruction of the larynx, hoarseness, and swelling around the vocal cords, resulting in a barking, cough and stridor.
Cyanosis
A bluish discoloration of the skin and mucus membranes caused by a lack of adequate oxygen in the blood.
Cystic fibrosis
A life-threatening genetic disorder in which the lungs and pancreas are clogged with large quantities of abnormally, thick mucus.
Diphtheria
And acute bacterial infection of the throat and upper respiratory tract.
Dysphonia
Difficulty in speaking, which may include any impairment in vocal quality, including hoarseness, weakness, or cracking of a boys voice during puberty.
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing; also known as shortness of breath.
Emphysema
The progressive, long-term loss of lung function, usually due to smoking.
Empyema
An accumulation of pus in a body cavity.
Endotracheal intubation
The passage of a tube through the mouth into the trachea to establish or maintain an open airway.
Epistaxis
Bleeding from the nose that may be caused by dry air and injury medication to prevent blood blood clotting or high blood pressure; also known as a no nosebleed.
Hemoptysis
The expectation of blood or blood stain sputum, derived from the lungs or bronchial tubes as the result of pulmonary or bronchial hemorrhage.
Hemothorax
A collection of blood in the pleural cavity.
Hypercapnia
The abnormal buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Hyperpnea
An increase in the depth and rate of respiratory movements.
HYPOPNEA
Shallow, shallow, or slow respiration.
HYPOPNEA
Shallow, shallow, or slow respiration.
Hypoxemia
The condition of having low oxygen levels in the blood.
Hypoxia
The condition of having deficient oxygen levels in the blood tissues and organs; less severe than anoxia.
Laryngectomy
The surgical removal of the larynx.
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the larynx; also commonly used to describe voice loss that is caused by this inflammation.
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the larynx; also commonly used to describe voice loss that is caused by this inflammation.
Laryngoscopy
The visual examination of the lax using a laryngoscope.
Laryngospasm
The sudden spasmodic closure of the larynx.
Mediastinum
The middle section of the chest cavity located between the lungs. This cavity contains the heart and its veins and arteries arteries, the esophagus, trachea, bronchi, the thymus gland, and lymph nodes.
Nebulizer
An electronic device that pumps air or oxygen through a liquid medicine to turn it into a vapor, which is then inhaled by the patient via facemask or mouthpiece.
Otolaryngologist
Of a physician with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of disease diseases and disorders of the head and neck.
Pertussis
A contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract that is characterized by recurrent bouts of a paroxysmal cough, followed by breathlessness in a noisy inspiration.
Pharyngitis
And inflammation of the pharynx.
Phlegm
Thick mucus secreted by the tissues lining the respiratory passages.
Pleurisy
And inflammation of the pleural, the membranes that cover the lungs and line the plural cavity; causes pleurisy is.
Pleurodynia
A sharp pain that occurs when the inflamed membranes rub against each other with each inhalation.
Pneumoconiosis
Any fibrosis of the lung tissues caused by dust in the lungs after prolonged environmental or occupational contact.
Pneumonectomy
The surgical removal of all are part of a lung.
Pneumonia
A serious inflammation of the lungs in which the alveoli and air passages filled with pus and other liquid.
Pneumothorax
The accumulation of air in the pleural space, causing a pressure imbalance that causes the lungs to fully or partially collapse.
Polysomnography
The diagnostic measurement of physiological activity during sleep; also known as a sleep study.
Pulmonologist
A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disease diseases and disorders of the respiratory system.
Pulse oximeter
An external monitor placed on the patient’s fingertip or earlobe to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood.
Pyothorax
A collection of pus in the pleural cavity between the layers of the pleural membrane.
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinuses.
Sleep apnea
A potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts staring sleep for long enough periods to cause a measurable decrease in blood oxygen levels.
Spirometer
A recording device that measures the amount of air, inhaled or exhaled in the length of time required for each breath.
Tachypnea
An abnormally rapid rate of respiration, usually of more than 20 breaths per minute.
Thoracentisis
The surgical puncture of the chest wall with a needle to obtain fluid from the pleural cavity.
Thoracotomy
A surgical incision into the chest walls to open the pleural cavity for biopsy or treatment.
Tracheostomy
The surgical creation of a stoma into the trachea in order to insert a temporary or permanent tube to facilitate breathing.
Tracheotomy
An emergency procedure in which an incision is made into the trachea to gain access to the airway below a blockage.
Tuberculosis
An infectious disease caused by microbacterium tuberculosis that usually attacks the lungs; also known as TB, it can also affect other parts of the body.
Anthracosis
Black lung disease
Effusion
Escape of fluid from blood or lymph vessels into the tissues or body cavity.
Fibrosis
Normal tissue replaced by hardened tissue.
Latent
Describes a condition that is present but not active or causing symptoms.
Mucous membrane
Sheetlike tissues that act as a lining with cells that secrete mucus.
Phlegm
A type of mucus made in the lower respiratory tract.
Respiration vs aspiration
Breathing; the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide vs accidental breathing in of food or fluid into the lungs.
Septum
Wall that separates two sides, such as between the nostrils or the chambers of the heart.
Serous membrane
Sheetlike tissues that act as a lining with cells that secrete fluid.
Sputum
Phlegm that is coughed up and ejected through the mouth.
Stoma
Surgically created opening on a body surface following a colostomy or tracheostomy.
Visceral
Relating to the soft internal organs.
Mucous vs mucus
Mucous describes mucous membranes in the body. Mucus is the fluid secreted by mucous membranes.
Upper respiratory tract
Nasal cavity, olfactory receptors, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, larynx, trachea.
Lower respiratory tract
Lungs, bronchi and bronchioles, alveoli, and diaphragm.
Pharyngitis vs laryngitis
Inflammation of the throat vs voice box.
Alveoli
Grapelike clusters where gases are exchanged in the lungs.
Bronchioles
Tiny branches inside the lungs.
Pleura
Serous membrane that encloses each lung.
Nares
Another name for nostrils.
Diaphragm
Most important MUSCLE used in breathing.
Aerophagia
The excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking and is a common cause of gas in the stomach.
Anastomosis
A surgical condition between two hollow or tubular structures; plural, anastomoses.
Antimetic
Medication administered to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
Aphthous ulcers
Gray white pits with a red border that appear in the soft tissue lining the mouth; also known as canker, sores or mouth ulcers.
Ascites
And abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
Bariatrics
The branch of medicine conserved with the prevention and control of obesity and associated diseases.
Borborygmus
The rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas in the intestine.
Cachexia
A condition of physical wasting away due to the loss of weight and muscle mass that occurs in patients with diseases, such as advanced cancer or AIDS.
Celiac disease
An inherited auto immune disorder characterized by a severe reaction to food containing gluten; also known as gluten intolerance.
Cheilosis
A disorder of the lips characterized by crack like sores at the corners of the mouth.
Cholangiography
A radiographic examination of the bio decks with the use of a contrast medium.
Cholangitis
An acute inflammation of the bile duct characterized by pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, fever and jaundice.
Cholecystectomy
The surgical removal of the gall bladder.
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder; usually associated with gallstones.
Choledocholithotomy
An incision into the common bile duct for the removal of gallstones.
Cholelithiasis
The presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
Cirrhosis
A progressive degenerative disease of the liver characterized by scar
Colon
The direct visual examination of the inner surface of the entire colon from the rectum to the cecum.
Colostomy
The surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the colon and the body surface.
Crohn’s disease
A chronic autoimmune disorder that can occur anywhere in the digestive tract however, it is most often found in the ileum and in the colon
Dental prophylaxis
The professional cleaning of the teeth to remove plaque in calculus.
Diverticulitis
Inflammation or infection of one or more diverticula in the colon
Diverticulosis
The chronic presence of an abnormal number of diverticula in the colon.
Dyspepsia
Pain or discomfort in digestion, also known as indigestion.
Dysphasia
Difficulty and swallowing.
Enema
The placement of a solution into the rectum and colon to empty the lower intestine through bowel activity.
Enteritis
Inflammation of the small intestine caused by eating or drinking substances contaminated with viral or bacterial pathogens.
Eructation
The act of belching are raising gas orally from the stomach.
Esophageal varices
Enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
An endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization of the upper G.I. tract; this includes the esophagus, stomach and upper duodenum.
Gastroduodenoscopy
The establishment of an anastomosis between the upper portion of the stomach and the duodenum.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
The upward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus; also known as Gerd.
Gastronomy tube
The surgical placement of a feeding tube from the exterior of the body directly into the stomach.
Hematemesis
The vomiting of blood.
Hemoccult test
A laboratory test for hidden blood in the stools; also known as fecal acute blood test.
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver usually caused by a viral infection.
Herpes labialis (HSV-1)
Blister like sores on the lips and adjacent tissue caused by the oral herpes Symplex virus type one also known as cold, sores, or fever blisters.
Hiatal hernia
In anatomical abnormality in which a portion of the stomach protrude upward into the chest through opening in the diaphragm.
Hyperemesis
Extreme, persistent vomiting that can cause dehydration.
Ileus
The partial or complete blockage of the small intestine large intestine are both caused by the stopping of normal peristalsis.
Inguinal hernia
The protrusion of a small loop of bowel through a weak place in the lower abdominal wall or groin.
Jaundice
A yellow discoloration of the skin, mucus membranes, and eyes caused by greater than normal amounts of bilirubin in the blood.
Leukoplakia
An abnormal white pre-cancerous lesion that develops on the tongue or inside of the cheek.
Melena
The passage of black tarry and foul smelling stools that is caused by the presence of digested blood.
Morbid obesity
The condition of weighing two more times the ideal weight or having a body mass index value greater than 40 also known as severe obesity.
Nasogastric intubation
The placement of a feeding tube through the nose and into the stomach.
Obesity
An excessive accumulation of fat in the body.
Palatoplasty
The surgical repair of a cleft pallet or cleft lip.
Peptic ulcers
Sores that affect the mucus membranes of the digestive system caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori by medication, such as aspirin that irritate the mucus membranes.
Peristalsis
A series of wavelike contractions of the smooth muscles in a single direction that moves the food forward into the digestive system.
Polyp
A mushroom rich growth from the surface of a mucous membrane; not all polyps are malignant.
Proctologist
A physician who specializes in disorders of the colon rectum and anus.
Regurgitation
The return of swallowed food into the mouth.
Salmonellosis
An infectious disease of the intestines that is transmitted by food containment with feces; also referred to as salmonella.
Sigmoidoscopy
The endoscopic examination of the interior of the rectum sigmoid: and possibly a portion of the descending colon.
Stomatitis
And inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth
Trismus
Any restriction to the opening of the mouth caused by trauma surgery or radiation associated with the treatment of oral cancer.
Ulcerative colitis
A chronic condition of unknown cause in which repeated episodes of inflammation in the rectum, and large intestine causes ulcers and irritation.
Volvulus
Twisting of the intestine up upon itself, causing an obstruction.
Xerostomia
The lack of adequate saliva due to diminished secretions by the saliva glands also known as dry mouth.
Deglutition
Swallowing
Intestine
Bowel
Dentition
Condition of the teeth
Emisis
Act of vomitting
Eructation
Belching or burping
Hernia
Protrusion of an organ or part through the tissues that normally contain it.
Ligation
The tying off of blood vessels
Mastication
Chewing
Parenteral
Outside of or bypassing the digestive system.
Varices
Enlarged or swollen veins
Ablation
The removal of a body part or the destruction of its function.
Anuria
The absence of your information by the kidneys.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
An abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland.
Chronic kidney disease
The progressive loss of renal function over months or years.
Cystitis
Inflammation of the bladder.
Cystocele
A hernia of the bladder through the vagina wall; also called a prolapse bladder.
Cystolith
A stone located in the urinary bladder.
Cystopexy
The surgical fixation of the bladder to the abdominal wall.
Cytoscopy
The visual examination of the urinary bladder using a kaleidoscope.
Dialysis
A procedure to remove waste products from the blood of patients, whose kidneys no longer function.
Diuresis
The increased output of urine.
End-stage renal disease
The final stage of chronic kidney disease that is fatal unless the functions of the failed kidneys are successfully replaced by dialysis or with a successful kidney transplant.
End-stage renal disease
The final stage of chronic kidney disease that is fatal unless the functions of the failed kidneys are successfully replaced by dialysis or with a successful kidney transplant.
Enuresis
The involuntary discharge of urine.
Enuresis
The involuntary discharge of urine.
Epispadias
A congenital abnormality affecting the opening of the urethral opening. In the mail, the opening is located on the upper surface of the penis. In the female, the urethral opening is located in the region of the clitoris.
Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy
The use of high energy ultrasonic waves traveling through water or gel to break up kidney stones into fragments, which are that excreted into the urine.
Glomerulonephritis
A form of nephritis caused by inflammation of the glomeruli that causes red blood cells and proteins to leak into the urine.
Hemodialysis
A procedure that filters waste products directly from the patient’s blood to replace the function of damage kidneys.
Hydronephrosis
The dilation of both kidneys that is the result of an obstruction of the flow of urine.
Hydroureter
Distention of the ureter with urine that cannot flow because the ureter is blocked.
Hyperproteinuria
The presence of him normally high concentrations of protein in the urine.
Hypoproteinemia
The presence of abnormally low concentrations of protein in the blood.
Hypopadias
A congenital abnormality in the placement of the urethral opening. In the mail, the urethral opening is on the underside of the penis. In the female, the urethral opening is into the vagina.
Incontinence
The inability to control the excretion of urine and or feces.
Interstitial cystitis
A chronic inflammation within the walls of the bladder.
Intravenous pyelography
A radiographic study of the kidneys and your readers, using a contrast, medium to diagnose changes in the urinary tract.
Nephrolith
A stone located in the kidney; also known as Reno calculus or a kidney stone.
Nephrolithiasis
The presence of a stone or stones in the kidney.
Nephrolysis
The friend of a kidney from adhesions.
Nephrons
The microscopic functional units of each kidney where urine is produced through the processes of filtration, absorption, and secretion.
Nephropathy
Any kidney disease, including degenerative, and inflammatory conditions.
Nephroptosis
The prolapse, or dropping down, of a kidney into the pelvic area when the patient stands; also known as a flu kidney.
Nephropyosis
Suppuration of the kidney.
Nephrostomy
The placement of a catheter to maintain an opening from the pelvis of water, both kidneys to the exterior of the body.
Nephrotic syndrome
A group of conditions in which excessive amounts of protein are lost in the urine, resulting in abnormally low levels of protein in the blood.
Neurogenic bladder
A urinary problem caused by interference with the normal nerve pathways associated with urination.
Nocturia
Frequent and excessive urination during the night.
Nocturnal enuresis
Urinary incontinence during sleep.
Oliguria
Scanty urination.
Percutaneous nephrolithitomy
The surgical removal of a nephrolith through a small incision in the back.
Peritoneal dialysis
Dialysis in which the lining of the peritoneal cavity packs as the filter to remove waste from the blood.
Polycystic kidney disease
An inherited kidney disorder, characterized by the growth of numerous fluid-filled cyst in the kidneys leading eventually to kidney failure.
Polyuria
Excessive urination.
Prostatism
A disorder resulting from the compression or obstruction of the urethra due to benign prostatichyperplasia.
Pyelotomy
A surgical incision into the renal pelvis.
Suprapubic catheterization
The placement of a catheter into the bladder through a small incision made into the abdominal wall just above the pubic bone.
Uremia
A toxic condition, resulting from Reno failure in which urea and other ways products are retaining the blood; also known as uremic poisoning.
Ureterectasis
The distention of a ureter.
Ureterolith
A stone Lake located anywhere along the ureter.
Ureterolith
A stone Lake located anywhere along the ureter.
Ureterorrhagia
The discharge of blood from a ureter.
Ureterorrhaphy
The surgical suturing of a ureter.
Urethritis
Inflammation of the urethra.
Urethroplasty
The surgical repair or damage or a defect in the walls of the urethra.
Urethroplasty
The surgical repair or damage or a defect in the walls of the urethra.
Urethrorrhagia
Bleeding from the urethra.
Urethrastenosis
Narrowing of the urethra.
Urethrotomy
A surgical incision into the urethra for relief of a stricture.
Urinary catheterization
The insertion of a tube into the bladder in order to procure a sterile, specimen for diagnostic purposes, to drain urine from the bladder when the patient is unable to urinate, or do place medication into the bladder.
Vesicovaginal fistula
An abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina.
Voiding cystouretheography
A diagnostic procedure in which a fluoroscope is used to examine the flow of urine from the bladder and through the urethra.
Wilms tumor
A rare type of malignant tumor of the kidney that occurs in young children.
Creatine
A waste product of muscle metabolism.
Urea
The major waste product of protein metabolism.
Ischemic stroke
The result when blood flow to the brain is stopped by a blockage in the carotid artery. This can result from the buildup of plaque inside the artery, a blood clot that forms in the artery and block it, or a blood clot that has traveled from another part of the body and lodges in the artery.
Hemorrhagic stroke
Less common than ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic strokes result from bleeding in the brain either from a ruptured brain aneurysm are we in a weakened blood vessel, leaks blood around the brain creates swelling and pressure damaging tissue in the brain
Myelin sheath
The protective covering made up of glial cells. This white sheath forms the white matter of the brain, cover and covers some parts of the spinal cord and the axon of most peripheral nerves.
Acrophobia
An excessive fear of heights.
Alzheimer’s disease
A group of disorders involving the parts of the brain that control thought memory and language. It is the leading cause of dementia and his progressive deterioration that affects memory and reasoning and capabilities.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
A rapidly progressive neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles, resulting in complete paralysis and death; also know there’s a Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Anesthetic
Medication used to induce anesthesia.
Anesthetist
A medical professional who specializes in administering anesthesia, but is not a physician.
Anorexia nervosa
A false perception of body appearance which leads to an intense fear of gaining weight and inability to maintain a healthy body weight
Anxiety disorders
Mental conditions characterized by excessive, irrational dread of every day situations or fear that is out of proportion to the real danger in a situation.
Autism
A subgroup of autistic spectrum disorders. Children with autism have significant developmental delays, including speech and language, with most having very minimal verbal skills and lacking normal social relationships.
Bell’s palsy
Temporary paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve that causes paralysis only on the affected side of the face.
Carotid ultrasonography
An ultrasound study of the carotid artery to detect plague buildup in the artery to predict or diagnosing ischemic stroke
Causalgia
Persistent, severe burning pain that usually follows an injury to a sensory nerve.
Cerebral contusion
Illis Ing of brain tissue as a result of a head injury that causes the brain to bounce against the rigid bow of the school.
Cerebral palsy
A condition characterized by poor muscle controls, spasticity, speech defects, another neurologic deficiencies.
Cerebrovascular accident
Damage to the brain that occurs when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted; also known as a stroke.
Cervical radiculopathy
Nerve pain caused by pressure on the spinal nerve roots in the neck region.
Claustrophobia
An abnormal fear of being in small or enclosed spaces.
Claustrophobia
An abnormal fear of being in small or enclosed spaces.
Cognition
The mental activities associated with thinking, learning, and memory.
Coma
A deep state of unconsciousness marked by the absence of spontaneous eye movement, no response to painful stimuli, and the lack of speech.
Concussion
A violent shaking up or drawing of the brain that may result in a temporary loss of awareness and function.
Cranial hematoma
A collection of blood trapped in the tissues of the brain.
Delirium
An acute condition of confusion, disorientation, disorder, thinking, and memory, agitation, and hallucinations.
Delirium tremens
A disorder involving sudden and severe mental changes or seizures caused by abruptly stopping the use of alcohol.
Delusion
A false personal belief that is maintained despite obvious proof or evidence to the contrary.
Dementia
A slowly progressive decline in mental abilities, including memory, thinking and judgment that is often accompanied by personality changes.
Dura mater
The thick tough outermost membranes of the meninges.
Dyslexia
A learning disability characterized by substandard reading achievement due to the inability of the brain to process symbols; also known as developmental reading disorder.
Echoencephalography
The use of ultrasound imaging to create a detailed visual image of the brain for diagnostic purposes.
Electroencephalography
The process of recording the electrical activity of the brain to the use of electrodes attached to the scalp.
Encephalitis
Inflammation of the brain.
Epidural anesthesia
Regional anesthesia produced by injecting a local anesthetic into the epidural space of the lumbar or sacral region of the spine.
Epilepsy
A chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent episodes of seizures of varying severities.
Facticious disorder
A condition in which a person acts as if here she has a physical or mental illness when he or she is not really sick.
Guillan-Barre Syndrome
Inflammation of the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves, characterized by rapidly worsening muscle weakness that may lead to temporary paralysis; also known as infectious polyneuritis.
Hallucination
A sensory perception (site, touch, sound, smell, or taste) experienced in the absence of an external stimulation.
Hemorrhagic stroke
Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or rupture; also known as a bleed.
Hydrocephalus
A condition in which success cerebral spinal fluid accumulates in the ventricles of the brain.
Hyperesthesia
A condition of abnormal and excessive sensitivity to touch, pain, and or other sensory stimuli.
Lethargy
A lowered level of consciousness marked by listlessness, drowsiness, and apathy.
Meningitis
Inflammation of the meninges of the brain or spinal cord.
Meningocele
The congenital herniation of the meningitis that surround the brain of spinal cord through defect in the skull, or spinal column.
Migraine headache
A headache that is characterized by throbbing pain on one side of the head and is sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to lighter sound.
Multiple sclerosis
A progressive autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation that causes demyelineation of the myelin sheath, resulting in scarring of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
Myelitis
Inflammation of the spinal cord; also inflammation of bone marrow
Myleography
A radiographic study of the spinal cord after the injection of a contrast, medium through a lumbar puncture.
Narcolepsy
Sleep disorder, consisting of sudden and an uncontrollable brief episodes of falling asleep during the day.
Neurotransmitters
Chemical substances that make it possible for messages to cross from the synapse of a neuron to the target receptor.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
An anxiety disorder, characterized by recurrent thoughts or impulses that are repetitive intrusive and distressing.
Panic attack
An unexpected sudden experience of fear in the absence of danger accompanied by physical symptoms, such as heart, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, sweating, nausea, feelings of unreality, and or choking sensations.
Paresthesia
A burning or prickling sensation that is usually felt in the hands, arms, legs or feet, but can also occur in other parts of the body.
Parkinson’s disease
A chronic degenerative central nervous system disorder, characterized by fine muscle tremors, rigidity, and a slower, shuffling gate caused by an adequate levels of the new transmitter dopamine in the brain.
Peripheral neuropathy
A disorder of the peripheral nerves that carry Information to and from the brain and spinal cord producing pain, the loss of sensation and the inability to control muscles.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
A disorder that may develop after an event involving actual or threatened death or injury to the individual or someone else during which the person felt intense, fear, helplessness, or horror with symptoms, including emotional, numbing, hyper arousal, anxiety, sleep disorders, and persistent reliving of the event.
Reye’s syndrome
A potentially serious or deadly disorder and children that is characterized by vomiting and confusion; sometimes follows a viral illness in which the child was treated with aspirin.
Schizophrenia
A psychotic disorder, usually characterized by withdrawal from reality, illogical patterns of thinking, delusions and hallucinations in accompanied in various degrees by other emotional behavioral or intellectual disturbances.
Sciatica
Inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
Seizure
A sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that affects how a person feels or asked for a short time.
Shaken baby syndrome
The results when a child has been violently shaken by someone can cause brain injury, blindness, fractures, seizures, paralysis, and death
Syncope
The brief loss of consciousness caused by the decreased flow of blood to the brain, also known as fainting.
Trigeminal neuralgia
A condition characterized by severe lightninglike pain due to an inflammation on the fifth cranial nerve; affects the cheek lips and gums on the side of the face innervated by the affected nerve.
Oculus
Eye
OD = right eye (oculus dexter)
OS = left eye (oculus sinister)
OU = each eye (oculus uterque) or both eyes (oculi uterque)
Adnexa
The appendages or accessory structures of an organ. In the eye, these are the structures outside the eyeball, including the orbit eye, muscles eyelids eyelashes, conjunctiva, and lacrimal apparatus.
Amblyopia
Dimness a vision or the partial loss of site, especially in one eye without detectable disease of the eye.
Ametropia
Any error of refraction in which images do not focus properly on the retina.
Anisocoria
A condition in which the pupils are unequal in size.
Astigmatism
A condition in which the eye does not focus properly because of uneven curvatures of the cornea.
Audiometry
The use of an anemometer to measure hearing acuity.
Cataract
The loss of transparency of the lens of the eye that causes a progressive loss of visual clarity.
Chalazion
A modular cyst usually on the upper eyelid caused by obstruction in a sebaceous gland.
Cochlear implant
An electronic device that bypasses the damage portions of the ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve.
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, usually caused by an infection or allergy; also known as pink eye.
Dacryoadenitis
An inflammation of the lacrimal gland that can be bacterial, viral or fungal infection.
Diplopia
The perception of two images of a single object; also known as double vision.
Ectropian
The reversion (turning outward) of the edge of an eyelid.
Emmetropia
The normal relationship between the refractive power of the eye and the shape of the eye that enables light raise to focus correctly on the retina.
Entropian
The inversion (turning inward) of the edge of an eyelid.
Estropia
Strabismus characterized by an inward deviation of one or both eyes; also known as cross eyes.
Extropia
Strabismus characterized by the outward deviation of one eye relative to the other; also known as walleye.
Fluorescein angiography
A photographic study of the blood vessels in the back of the eye, following the intravenous injection of a fluorescein die that act as a contrast medium.
Glaucoma
A group of eye diseases characterized by increased intraocular pressure that causes damage to the optic nerve and retinal nerve fibers.
Hemianopia
Blindness in 1/2 of the visual field.
Hordeolum
A pus filled and often painful lesion on the eyelid, resulting from an infection in a sebaceous plant; also known as a stye.
Hyperopia
A vision defect in which light raise focus beyond the retina; also known as farsightedness.
Infectious myringitis
A contagious inflammation associated with the middle ear infection that causes painful blisters on the eardrum.
Iridectomy
The surgical removal of a portion of the iris tissue.
Iritis
Inflammation of the UV affecting primarily structures in the front of the eye.
Keratitis
Inflammation of the cornea.
Labrinthectomy
The surgical removal of all her a portion of the labyrinth of the inner ear.
Laser trabeculoplasty
Treatment of open angle glaucoma in which a laser is used to create an opening in the trabecular mesh work to allow fluid to drain properly.
Mastoidectomy
The surgical removal of mastoid cells.
Mydriasis
The dilation of the pupil.
Myopia
A vision defect in which light race focus in front of the retina; also known as nearsightedness.
Myringotomy
A small surgical incision into the eardrum to relieve pressure from excess pus or fluid or to create an opening for the placement of ear tubes.
Nyctalopia
A condition in which an individual with normal daytime vision has difficulty seeing at night; also known as night blindness.
Nystagmus
Involuntary constant rhythmic movement of the eyeball.
Ophthalmoscopy
The visual examination of the funds (back part) of the eye with an ophthalmoscope; also known as funduscopy.
Optometrist
A specialist who holds a doctor of optometry degree, and provides primary eye care, including diagnosing eye diseases and conditions in measuring the accuracy of vision to determine if corrective lenses are needed.
Otitis media
Inflammation of the middle ear.
Otomycosis
A fungal infection of the external auditory canal; also known as swimmers ear.
Otopyorrhea
The flow of pus from the ear.
Otorrhea
Any discharge from the ear.
Otosclerosis
Ankylosis of the bones of the middle ear; resulting in conductive hearing loss.
Papilledema
Swelling and inflammation of the optic nerve at the point of entrance into the eye through the optic disc; also known as a choked disc.
Papilledema
Swelling and inflammation of the optic nerve at the point of entrance into the eye through the optic disc; also known as a choked disc.
Periorbital edema
Swelling of the tissue surrounding the eye or eyes.
Photophobia
Excessive sensitivity to light.
Presbycusis
A gradual sensorineural hearing loss that occurs as the body ages.
Prebyopia
Decline of near vision that occurs with age as the lens becomes less flexible in the muscles of the cillary body becomes weaker.
Ptosis
Drooping of the upper eyelid that it’s usually due to paralysis.
Radial keratotomy
A surgical procedure to treat myopia.
Retinopexy
Treatment to reattach the detached area in a retinal detachment.
Scleritis
Inflammation of the sclera of the eye.
Sensorineural hearing loss
Deafness that develops when the auditory nerve or hair cells in the inner ear are damaged.
Stapedectomy
The surgical removal of part of the stapes bone and it’s replacement with a small prosthetic device.
Strabismus
A disorder in which the eyes point in different directions or are not aligned correctly because the eye muscles are unable to focus.
Tarsorrhaphy
The partial or complete suturing together of the upper and lower eyelids.
Tinnitus
A ringing buzzing or roaring sound in one or both ears.
Tonometry
The part of a routine eye examination in which intraocular pressure is measured.
Tympanometry
The use of air pressure in the air canal to test for disorders of the middle ear.
Vertigo
A sense of whirling dizziness in the loss of balance, often combined with nausea and vomiting.
Vitrectomy
The removal of the vitreous fluid of the posterior chamber of the eye and its replacement with a clear solution.
Xerophthalmia
Drawing of the eye surface, including the conjunctiva, also known as dry eye.
Sclera
White of the eye
Choroid
Opaque middle layer of the eyeball that contains many blood vessels and provides blood supply for entire eye.
Retina
Innermost layer that lines the posterior segment of the eye. Received nerve impulses and transmits to the brain via the optic nerve. Aka second cranial nerve.
Eustachian tube
Controls the air pressure within the middle ear.
Actinic keratosis
A pre-cancerous skin lesion that occurs on sun damaged skin.
Actinic keratosis
A pre-cancerous skin lesion that occurs on sun damaged skin.
Albinism
A genetic condition characterized by deficiency or absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and Iris is due to a missing enzyme necessary for the production of melanin.
Alopecia
The partial of complete loss of hair, most commonly on the scalp; also known as baldness.
Alopecia
The partial of complete loss of hair, most commonly on the scalp; also known as baldness.
Blepharoplasty
Surgical reduction of the upper and lower eyelid by removing sagging skin; also known as a lid lift.
Bulla
A large blister that is usually more than 0.5 cm in diameter; plural bullae.
Capillary hemangioma
A soft, raised, pink or red vascular birthmark.
Capillary hemangioma
A soft, raised, pink or red vascular birthmark.
Carbuncle
A cluster of connected furuncles (boils).
Cellulitis
An acute common rapidly spreading infection within the connective tissues.
Chloasma
A pigmentation disorder characterized by brownish spots on the face; also known as melasma or the mask of pregnancy.
Cicatrix
A normal scar, resulting from the healing of a wound;: plural, cicatrices.
Comedo
A non-infected lesion formed by the buildup of Sebum, and keratin in a hair follicle; also known as, a blackhead; plural, comedones.
Debridement
The removal of dirt, foreign objects, damage tissue and cellular debris from a wound to prevent infection and promote healing.
Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin.
Diaphoresis
Profuse, but not necessarily excessive, sweating.
Dysplastic nevi
Atypical moles, that may develop into skin cancer.
Ecchymosis
A large, irregular area of purple is discoloration due to bleeding under the skin; plural, ecchymoses.
Eczema
A form of persistent or recurring, dermatitis, characterized by redness, itching, and dryness with possible blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding.
Erythema
Redness of the skin due to capillary dilation.
Erthroderma
Abnormal redness of the entire skin surface.
Exanthem
Refers to a widespread rash, usually in children.
Exfoliative dermatitis
A condition in which there is widespread scaling of the skin, often with pruritis, erythroderma, and hair loss.
Folliculitis
Inflammation of the hair follicles that is especially common on the limbs and in the beard area on men.
Furuncles
Large, tender, swollen areas caused by a staphylococcal infection around hair, follicles, or sebaceous glands; also known as boils.
Granuloma
A small, not like swelling of granulation tissue in the epidermis.
Hematoma
A swelling of clotted, blood trapped in the tissues.
Hirsutism
Excessive bodily and facial hair and women, usually occurring in a male pattern.
Ichthyosis
A group of hereditary disorders, characterized by dry, thickened, scaly skin.
Impetigo
I highly contagious, bacterial skin infection, characterized by isolated, pustules that become crusted and rupture.
Keloid
An abnormally raised or thickened scar that expands beyond the boundaries of the original incision.
Keratosis
Any skin growth, such as a ward or callous, in which there is overgrowth and thickening of the skin; plural, keratoses.
Koilonychia
A malformation of the nails in which the outer surface is concave or scooped out like the bowl of a spoon; also known as spoon now.
Lipedema
A chronic abnormal condition, usually in women, that is characterized by the accumulation of fat and fluid in the tissues just under the skin of the hips and legs.
Lipoma
A benign slow-growing fatty tumor located between the skin and the muscle layer.
Macule
A discolored, flat spot, such as a freckle, that is less than 1 cm in diameter.
Malignant melanoma
A type of skin cancer that occurs in the melanocytes.
Necrotizing fasciitis
A severe infection caused by group, a strep bacteria that enters the body through a wound. If untreated, the infected body tissue can be destroyed, and the illness may be fatal; also known as flesh eating bacteria.
Onychocryptosis
Ingrown toenail in which the edges of a toenail curve inward and cut into the skin.
Onychomycosis
A fungal infection of the nail.
Papilloma
A benign superficial wart like growth on the epithelial tissue or elsewhere in the body, such as in the bladder.
Papule
A small raised red lesion, such as an insect bite that is less than .5 cm in diameter.
Paronychia
An acute or chronic infection of the skinfold around a nail.
Pediculosis
An infestation with lice.
Petechiae
Small, pinpoint hemorrhage, less than 2 mm in diameter; singular, petechia.
Pruritus
Itching associated with most forms of dermatitis.
Psoriasis
A common skin disorder, characterized by flareups in which red pulse covered with silvery scales occur on the elbows, knees, scalp, back or buttocks.
Purpura
The appearance of multiple purple discoloration on the skin caused by bleeding underneath the skin.
Purulent
Producing or containing pus.
Rhytidectomy
The surgical removal of excess skin and fat from the face for the elimination of wrinkles; also known as a facelift.
Rosacea
A chronic condition of unknown cause, characterized by tiny red, pimples and broken blood vessels.
Scabies
A skin infection caused by an infestation of itch mites that caused small, itchy, bumps, and blisters by burning into the top layer of human skin to lay their eggs.
Scleroderma
An auto immune disorder in which the connective tissues become thickened and hardened.
Seborrhea
Over activity of the sebaceous glands that result in production of an excessive amount of sebum.
Squamous cell carcinoma
A malignant tumor of the scaly squamous cells of the epithelium; however, it can quickly spread to other body systems.
Systemic lupus erythematosus
An autoimmune disorder characterized by a red, scaly rash on the face and upper trunk. This condition also attacks the connective tissue in other body systems, especially in the joints.
Tinea
A fungal infection of the skin, hair or nails; also known as ringworm.
Urticaria
Itchy wheals caused by an allergic reaction; also known as hives.
Verrucae
Small, hard skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus; also known as warts; singular, verruca.
Vitilgo
A skin condition, resulting from the destruction of the melanocytes due to unknown causes and causing a regular patches of white skin.
Wheal
A small bump that itches and can appear as a symptom of an allergic reaction; a well.
Xeroderma
Excessively dry skin; also known as xerosis.
Integument
Latin meaning to cover or enclose
Circumscribed
Occurring in a well-defined area.
Decubitus ulcer
Bedsore
Ecchymosis
Bruise
Exudate
Fluid that leaks out of an infected wound.
Nevus
Mole
Suppurative
Producing pus
Urticaria
Hives
Verruca
Wart
Eccrine
Sweat glands that open directly onto the surface of the skin.
Sudoriferous glands
Sweat glands
Tinea
Skin condition Caused by fungus.
Plaques
The lesions of psoriasis.
Closed comedone
Whitehead
Furnucle
Boil
Epidermoid cyst
Aka Sebaceous cyst, a closed sac found just under the skin.
Acromegaly
A rare, chronic disease characterized by abnormal enlargement of the extremities caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone after puberty.
Addison’s disease
A condition that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormones, cortisol or aldosterone.
Adrenalitis
Inflammation of the adrenal glands.
Aldosteronism
An abnormality of electrolyte balance caused by excessive secretion of aldosterone.
Antidiuretic hormone
The home alone that helps control blood pressure by reducing the amount of water that is excreted through the kidneys.
Calcitonin
A hormone that works with the parathyroid hormone to decrease calcium levels in the blood and tissues.
Conn’s syndrome
A disorder of the adrenal glands due to excessive production of aldosterone.
Cortisol
A hormone that has an anti-inflammatory action; it also regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body.
Cretinism
A congenital form of hypothyroidism that, if not treated soon after birth, causes arrested, physical, and mental development.
Cushing’s syndrome
A condition caused by the overproduction of cortisol by the body or by taking corticosteroids to treat, inflammatory diseases, such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis; also known as hypercortisolism.
Diabetes insipidus
A condition caused by insufficient production of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or by the inability of the kidneys to respond to the antidiuretic hormone.
Diabetes mellitus
A group of metabolism disorders, characterized by hyperglycemia, resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both.
Diabetic retinopathy
Injury to the eye that occurs when diabetes damages, the tiny blood vessels in the retina other eye.
Electrolytes
Mineral substances, such as sodium and potassium, normally found in the blood.
Epinephrine
A hormone that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system in response to physical injury or mental stress such as fear; also known as adrenaline.
Estrogen
A hormone with an important role in the development and maintenance of the female, secondary sex characteristics and the regulation of the menstrual cycle.
Exophthalmos
An abnormal protrusion of the eyeball out of the orbit.
Follicle –stimulating hormone
The hormone that stimulates the secretion of estrogen and the growth of ova (eggs) in the ovaries of the female. In the male, it stimulates the production of sperm in the testicles (testes).
Fructosamine test
A blood test that measures average glucose levels over the past three weeks.
Gestational diabetes mellitus
The form of diabetes that occurs during some pregnancies.
Gigantism
Abnormal growth of the entire body that is caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone before puberty.
Glucagon
The hormone that increases the amount of glucose in the bloodstream by stimulating the liver to convert glycogen into glucose.
Glucose
The basic form of energy used by the body; also known as blood sugar.
Graves’ disease
A disorder of unknown cause in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and stimulates it to make excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, resulting in hyperthyroidism.
Growth hormone
The hormone that regulates the growth of bone, muscle, and other body tissues.
Gynocomastia
The condition of excessive mammary development in the mail.
Hashimoto’s disease
An autoimmune disease in which the bodies own antibodies attack and destroy the cell of the thyroid gland.
Hypercalcemia
Abnormally high concentrations of calcium circulating in the blood, instead of being stored in the bones and teeth.
Hyperglycemia
An abnormally high concentration of glucose in the blood.
Hyperinsulinism
A condition marked by excessive secretion of insulin in the bloodstream.
Hyperpituitarism
The excessive secretion of growth hormone that causes acromegaly and gigantism.
Hyperthyroidism
The overproduction of thyroid hormones, which causes an imbalance of metabolism.
Hypoglycemia
And I’m normally low concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Hypothyroidism
A deficiency of thyroid secretion; also known as underactive thyroid.
Insulin
The hormones secreted by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets in response to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. It’s function is to allow glucose to enter our cells for energy or to stimulate the liver to convert glucose to glycogen for storage.
Insulinoma
A benign tumor of the pancreas that causes hypoglycemia.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy
A minimally invasive procedure to surgically remove one or both adrenal glands.
Leptin
A protein hormone secreted by fat cells that is involved in the regulation of appetite.
Leptin
A protein hormone secreted by fat cells that is involved in the regulation of appetite.
Luteinizing hormone
The hormone that stimulates ovulation in the female and production of the female sex hormone progesterone. In the mail, it stimulates the secretion of testosterone.
Luteinizing hormone
The hormone that stimulates ovulation in the female and production of the female sex hormone progesterone. In the male, it stimulates the secretion of testosterone.
Myxedema
A severe form of adult hypothyroidism.
Norepinephrine
A combination of a hormone and a neurohormone that plays an important role in the fight-or-flight response.
Norepinephrine
A combination of a hormone and a neurohormone that plays an important role in the fight-or-flight response.
Oxytocin
Hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas.
Parathyroidectomy
The surgical removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands.
Pituitary adenoma
One of two types of slow – growing, benign tumors of the pituitary gland that may or may not cause excess hormone secretion.
Polydipsia
Excessive thirst.
Polydipsia
Excessive thirst.
Polyphagia
Excessive hunger.
Polyphagia
Excessive hunger.
Polyuria
Excessive urination.
Polyuria
Excessive urination.
Pre-diabetes
A condition in which the blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type two diabetes.
Pre-diabetes
A condition in which the blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type two diabetes.
Progesterone
This hormone, whose function is to complete the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy, is released during the second half of the menstrual cycle by the corpus luteum in the ovary.
Prolactinoma
A benign tumor of the pituitary gland that causes the gland to produce too much prolactin.
Prolactinoma
A benign tumor of the pituitary gland that causes the gland to produce too much prolactin.
Puberty
The process of physical changes by which a child’s body becomes an adult body that is capable of reproducing.
Radioactive iodine treatment
The oral administration of radioactive iodine to destroy thyroid cells.
Radioactive iodine treatment
The oral administration of radioactive iodine to destroy thyroid cells.
Steroids
A large family of hormone like substances that share the same fat soluble chemical structure.
Steroids
A large family of hormone like substances that share the same fat soluble chemical structure.
Testosterone
A steroid hormone secreted by the testes and the adrenal cortex that stimulates the development of male secondary sex characteristics.
Thymectomy
The surgical removal of the thymus gland.
Thymectomy
The surgical removal of the thymus gland.
Thymitis
Inflammation of the thymus gland.
Thymosin
Hormone secreted by the thymus gland that stimulates the mature ation of lymphocytes into T cells of the immune system.
Thyroxine
One of the primary hormones secreted by the thyroid gland that regulate the rate of metabolism and affect the growth and rate of function of other body systems.
Islet
A small isolated mask, or island of one type of tissue with a larger mass or a different type.
Islet
A small isolated mask, or island of one type of tissue with a larger mass or a different type.
Endocrine
To secrete within
Abruptio placentae
A disorder in which the placenta separates from the urine wall before the birth of the fetus.
Amenorrhea
The abnormal absence of menstrual periods for 90 days or more.
Amniocentesis
A surgical puncture with a needle to obtain a specimen of amniotic fluid.
Andropause
The decrease of the male hormone testosterone.
Apgar score
A scale of one to 10 to evaluate a newborn infant physical status at one and five minutes after birth.
Azoospermia
The absence of sperm in the semen.
Cervical dysplasia
The presence of precancerous changes in the cells that make up the inner lining of the cervix.
Cervicitis
Inflammation of the cervix.
Chlamydia
A sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomayis.
Chorionic villus sampling
A diagnostic test to search for genetic abnormalities in the developing fetus.
Colostrum
The specialized form of milk that delivers essential nutrients and antibodies in a form that the newborn can digest.
Colpopexy
The surgical fixation of a prolapsed vagina to a surrounding structure.
Colporrhaphy
Surgical suturing of a tear in the vagina.
Colposcopy
Direct visual examination of the tissues of the cervix and vagina.
Dysmenorrhea
Pain caused by uterine cramps during a menstrual period.
Eclampsia
A more serious form of preeclampsia that is characterized by convulsions and sometimes coma.
Ectopic pregnancy
A condition in which a fertilized egg is implanted and begins to develop outside of the uterus; also known as an extra uterine pregnancy.
Endocervicitis
Inflammation of the mucus membrane lining of the cervix.
Endometriosis
A condition in which patches of endometrial tissue escape the uterus and become attached to other structures in the pelvic cavity.
Epididymitis
Inflammation of the epididymis.
Episiotomy
A surgical incision of the Perian to facilitate delivery and prevent laceration of the tissues.
Fibroadenoma
Around firm rubbery mass that arises from excess growth of glandular and connective tissue in the breast.
Fibrocystic breast disease
The presence of single or multiple benign cysts located in the breast.
Galactorrhea
The production of breastmilk in women who are not breast-feeding.
Gonorrhea
A highly contagious, sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Hematospermia
The presence of blood in the seminal fluid.
Hydrocele
A fluid filled sack in the scrotum that is located along the spermatic cord leading from the testicles.
Hypomenorrhea
An unusually small amount of menstrual flow during a shortened regular menstrual period.
Hysterectomy
The surgical removal of the uterus.
Hysterosalpinography
A radiographic examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes following the instillation of radiopaque material.
Hysteroscopy
The direct visual examination of the interior of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Leukorrhea
A profuse whitish mucus did discharge from the uterus and vagina.
Mastalgia
Pain in the breast; also known as mastodynia.
Mastopexy
A surgical procedure to fix sagging breast into a more elevated position.
Menarche
The beginning of the menstrual function at puberty.
Menometrorrhagia
Excessive uterine bleeding, occurring both at the usual time of menstrual periods and other irregular intervals.
Neonate
And newborn infant during the first four weeks after birth.
Nulligravida
A woman who has never been pregnant.
Nullipara
A woman who has never born a viable child.
Obstetrician
A physician who specializes in providing medical care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and immediately thereafter.
Oligomenorrhea
In frequent or very light menstruation in a woman with previously normal periods.
Oophorectomy
The surgical removal of one or both ovaries.
Orchidectomy
The surgical removal of one or both testicles; also known as an orchiectomy.
Orchiopexy
Endoscopic surgery to move an undescended testicle into its normal position in the scrotum.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Any inflammation of the female reproductive organs, not associated with surgery or pregnancy.
Perimenopause
Their transition phase between regular menstrual periods and no periods at all.
Peyronie’s disease
A form of sexual dysfunction in which the penis has bent or curved during erection.
Placenta previa
The abnormal implantation of the placenta in the lower portion of the uterus.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
A condition caused by a hormonal imbalance in which the ovaries are enlarged by the presence of many cysts formed by and completely developed follicles.
Preeclampsia
A complication of pregnancy characterized by hypertension, edema, and proteinuria.
Priapism
A painful erection that lasts four or five more hours and is not accompanied bisexual excitement.
Primigravida
A woman during her first pregnancy.
Primapara
A woman who has born one viable child.
Pruritis vulvae
Severe itching of the external female genitalia.
Pruritis vulvae
Severe itching of the external female genitalia.
Salpingo-oophorectomy
The surgical removal of a fallopian tube and an ovary.
Syphilis
A sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema Pallidium.
Syphilis
A sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema Pallidium.
Trichomoniasis
A sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite trichomonas vaginalis.
Trichomoniasis
A sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite trichomonas vaginalis.
Uterine prolapse
The condition in which the uterus slides from its normal position in the pelvic cavity and sag into the vagina.
Variocele
A knot of widening varicose veins in one side of the scrotum.
Vasovasostomy
A procedure performed as an attempt to restore fertility to a vasectomy, outsized male; also known as a vasectomy reversal.
Acetaminophen
An analgesic that reduces pain and fever, but does not relieve inflammation.
Acupuncture
A traditional Chinese medical practice using thin needles inserted into specific points of the body.
Albuminuria
The presence of the protein albumin in the urine; a sign of impaired kidney function.
Analgesic
The class of drugs that relieves pain without affecting consciousness.
Antipyretic
Medication administered to prevent or reduce fever.
Arthrocentesis
The surgical puncture of a joint space to remove synovial fluid for analysis.
Auscultation
Listening through a stethoscope for sounds within the body.
Bacteriuria
The presence of bacteria in the urine.
Bruit
And I’m normal sound heard during auscultation of an artery.
Calciuria
The abnormal presence of calcium in the urine.
Compliance
The patient’s consistency and accuracy in following the regimen prescribed by physician or other healthcare professional.
Computed tomography
A thin fan shaped x-ray beam that rotates around the patient to produce multiple cross-sectional views of the body.
Contraindication
A factor in a patient’s condition that makes the use of a medication or specific treatment, dangerous or ill advised.
Creatinuria
An increased concentration of creatine in the urine.
Echocardiography
An ultrasonic diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the structures and motion of the heart.
Endoscope
A small flexible tube with a light and a lens on the end.
Fluoroscopy
An imaging technique used to visualize body parts in lotion by projecting an x-ray images on luminous fluorescent screen.
Glycosuria
The presence of glucose in the urine.
Hematocrit
The percentage by volume of a blood sample occupied by red blood cells.
Hematuria
The presence of blood in the urine.
Hyperthermia
And extremely high fever.
Hypothermia
And abnormally low body temperature.
Idiosyncratic reaction
And unexpected reaction to a drug that is peculiar to an individual.
Interventional radiology
The use of radiographic imaging to guide a procedure such as a biopsy.
Intradermal injection
The administration of medication by injection into the middle layers of the skin.
Intramuscular injection
Then administration of medication by injection directly into the muscle tissue.
Intravenous injection
Administration of medication by injection directly into a vein.
Ketonuria
The presence of ketones in the urine.
Laparoscopy
Visual examination of the interior of the abdomen with the use of a laparoscope.
Lithotomy position
And examination position in which the patient is lying on the back with the feet and legs raised and supported in stirrups.
Magnetic resonance imaging
An imaging technique that uses a combination of radio waves, and a strong man magnetic field to create signals that are sent to a computer and converted into images or any plane through the body; also known as an MRI.
Opthalmoscope
An instrument used to examine the interior of the eye.
Otoscope
An instrument used to visually examine the external air canal and tympanic membrane.
Palliative
A substance that eases the pain or severity of the symptoms of a disease, but but does not cure it.
Parenteral
Taken into the body, or administered, in a manner other than through the digestive tract.
Parenteral
Taken into the body, or administered, in a manner other than through the digestive tract.
Percussion
A diagnostic procedure to determine the density of a body area that uses the sound produced by tapping the surface with the fingers.
Perfusion
The flow of blood through an organ.
Pericardiocentesis
A surgical puncture to draw fluid from the pericardial sac for the purpose of removing fluid.
Pericardiocentesis
A surgical puncture to draw fluid from the pericardial sac for the purpose of removing fluid.
Phlebotomy
The puncture of a vein for the purpose of drying blood; also known as venipuncture.
Placebo
An inactive substance that is given only for its suggestive effects.
Positron emission tomography
An imaging technique that combines tomography with radionuclide tracers to produce enhanced images of selected body organs or areas.
Prone position
And examination position in which the patient is lying on the abdomen with the face down.
Proteinuria
The presence of an abnormal amount of protein in the urine.
Pyuria
The presence of pus in the urine.
Radiolucent
A substance that allows x-rays to pass through and appears black or dark gray on the resulting film.
Radiopaque
A substance that does not allow x-rays to pass through and appears white or light gray on the resulting film.
Rales
Abnormal crackle like lung sounds heard through a stethoscope during inspiration.
Recumbent
Any position in which the patient is lying down. This can be on the back, front, or side.
Ronchi
Course rattling breath sounds that are somewhat like snoring.
Sims’ position
An examination position in which the patient is lying on the left side with the right knee and thigh, drawn up and the left arm placed along the back.
Single photon emission computed tomography
A type of nuclear imaging test that produces 3-D computer rest restricted images showing perfusion through tissues and organs.
Speculum
An instrument used to enlarge the opening of any canal or cavity to facilitate inspection of its interior.
Sphygmomanometer
An instrument used to measure blood pressure.
Stethoscope
An instrument used to listen to sounds within the body.
Stridor
An abnormal, high-pitched, musical breathing sound caused by a blockage in the throat or in the larynx (voice box).
Subcutaneous injection
The administration of medication by injection into the fatty layer just below the skin.
Transdermal
Medication administered from a patch that is applied to unbroken skin.
Transesophageal echocardiography
An ultrasonic imaging technique that is performed from inside the esophagus to evaluate heart structures.
Ultrasonography
The imaging of the body structures by recording the echoes of sound wave pulses that are above the range of human hearing; also known as ultrasound and diagnostic ultrasound.
Urinalysis
An examination of the physical and chemical properties of urine to determine the presence of abnormal elements.
Electrolytes
Aka minerals
