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
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
Hypotension
Lower-than-normal blood pressure
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