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Medical Terms Flashcards

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USMLE® Step 1 flashcards
1
Q

Tensing of the abdominal wall muscles to guard inflamed organs from pain caused by palpation of the abdomen.

A

Abdominal guarding

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2
Q

The use of muscles which typically do not play a primary role in respiration. Often associated with respiratory distress.

A

Accessory muscle use

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3
Q

The appendages of an organ. For example, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

A

Adnexa

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4
Q

Without fever

A

Afebrile

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5
Q

Also known as walking.

A

Ambulation

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6
Q

A widening of a blood vessel due to pressure on weakened tissues causing formation of a sac of blood that may become clotted or burst.

A

Aneurysm

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7
Q

A type of chest pain specifically caused by a restriction or blockage of blood flow to the cardiac tissue.

A

Angina

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8
Q

The main artery in the human body which originates in the left ventricle and extends down into the abdomen.

A

Aorta

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9
Q

Loss in the power to understand language (receptive) or communicate with others (expressive) as a result of injury or disease of the brain.

A

Aphasia

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10
Q

The surgical removal of the appendix.

A

Appendectomy

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11
Q

The inflammation of the appendix.

A

Appendicitis

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12
Q

Small tube-like structure extending off of the junction of the small and large intestine within the right lower quadrant of the abdomen.

A

Appendix

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13
Q

Abnormal heart rhythm

A

Arrhythmia

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14
Q

A blood vessel carrying blood away from the heart.

A

Artery

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15
Q

Severe joint pain

A

Arthralgia

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16
Q

Without trauma

A

Atraumatic

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17
Q

The upper chambers of the heart which receive blood from either venous circulation (the right) or the lungs (the left).

A

Atrium (Left or Right)

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18
Q

The external portion of the ear. What people typically visualize when they think of an ear.

A

Auricle

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19
Q

Unusually slow heart rate

A

Bradycardia

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20
Q

Abnormally slow breathing

A

Bradypnea

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21
Q

An inflammation of the bronchi, usually infectious.

A

Bronchitis

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22
Q

A passage of airway in the respiratory system which brings air into the lungs from the trachea; the singular of bronchi.

A

Bronchus

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23
Q

An inflammation of subcutaneous, loose connective tissue; Skin infection.

A

Cellulitis

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24
Q

Earwax

A

Cerumen

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25
Q

Pertaining to the neck or to the cervix of the uterus.

A

Cervical

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26
Q

The surgical removal of the gallbladder.

A

Cholecystectomy

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27
Q

The inflammation of the gallbladder.

A

Cholecystitis

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28
Q

The production of gallstones

A

Cholelithiasis

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29
Q

The procedure in which a small, flexible camera-containing tube is inserted into the rectal cavity in order to examine the large intestine. A diagnostic tool used in the finding of ulcers, polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding.

A

Colonoscopy

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30
Q

Delicate membrane lining the eyelids and covering the eyeball.

A

Conjunctiva

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31
Q

Bruising specifically due to mechanical injury/trauma.

A

Contusion

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32
Q

Transparent coat of the eyeball covering the iris and pupil.

A

Cornea

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33
Q

Inflammation of one or more of the costal cartilages.

A

Costochondritis

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34
Q

A grating sound or sensation produced by the friction between bone and cartilage or the fracture segments of bone.

A

Crepitus

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35
Q

Pertaining to a bluish or slate-like skin color.

A

Cyanotic

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36
Q

Excessive or profuse sweating or perspiration.

A

Diaphoresis

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37
Q

A thin sheet of muscle along the bottom of the thoracic cavity which aids in respiration.

A

Diaphragm

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38
Q

An abnormal, frequent discharge of fluid fecal matter from the bowel.

A

Diarrhea

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39
Q

One of multiple distal pulses palpated to assess arterial blood flow to the lower extremities.

A

Dorsalis Pedis (DP) Pulse

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40
Q

Difficulty swallowing

A

Dysphagia

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41
Q

Difficult and labored breathing, shortness of breath

A

Dyspnea

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42
Q

Painful urination

A

Dysuria

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43
Q

Bruising unrelated to mechanical injury or trauma. (Think of medical conditions such as thrombocytopenia.)

A

Ecchymosis

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44
Q

Inflammatory condition of the skin, which may be acute or chronic, characterized by itching or burning, tiny papules and vesicles, oozing, crusting, and scaling.

A

Eczema

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45
Q

Swelling of body tissues due to an excessive accumulation of fluid in the connective tissue or a serous cavity

A

Edema

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46
Q

Obstruction of a blood vessel by a clot of blood or foreign substance.

A

Embolism

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47
Q

Vomit

A

Emesis

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48
Q

Midline region of the abdomen which is above the umbilicus and below the diaphragm.

A

Epigastric region

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49
Q

Also known as redness.

A

Erythema

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50
Q

Muscle-lined organ in which food passes from the mouth to the stomach.

A

Esophagus

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51
Q

A part of the middle ear, this tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx.

A

Eustachian tube

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52
Q

Aggravate

A

Exacerbate

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53
Q

A secreted substance. For example, tonsillar exudates. Also known as “puss pockets.”

A

Exudate

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54
Q

Extreme tiredness

A

Fatigue

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55
Q

Pertaining to having a fever.

A

Febrile

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56
Q

The long bone of the upper leg which is located between the hip and knee.

A

Femur

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57
Q

The smaller of the two long bones of the lower leg. It extends from the lateral aspect of the knee to the lateral aspect of the ankle.

A

Fibula

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58
Q

A tense area of skin with a wave-like feeling upon palpation resulting from underlying fluid.

A

Fluctuance

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59
Q

(Also known as gastric flu, stomach flu, and food poisoning.) Refers to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract resulting in acute diarrhea.

A

Gastroenteritis

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60
Q

Also known as “acid reflux,” “heart burn,” or simply “reflux.”

A

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

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61
Q

Heart sounds caused by blood flowing across one of the heart valves, usually due to structural defects. Heart murmurs are ranked from 1 to 6 with 1 being the quietest. Example: A 2/6 systolic murmur.

A

Heart murmur

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62
Q

Vomiting of blood

A

Hematemesis

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63
Q

Swelling of blood which occurs in an organ or tissue resulting from ruptured blood vessels.

A

Hematoma

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64
Q

Blood in urine

A

Hematuria

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65
Q

Excessive or profuse bleeding

A

Hemorrhage

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66
Q

Thoughts of killing someone

A

Homicidal ideation

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67
Q

The long bone of the upper arm which is located between the shoulder and elbow.

A

Humerus

68
Q

High potassium

A

Hyperkalemia

69
Q

High sodium

A

Hypernatremia

70
Q

Persistently high arterial blood pressure.

A

Hypertension

71
Q

Low sodium

A

Hyponatremia

72
Q

Persistently low arterial blood pressure.

A

Hypotension

73
Q

The surgical removal of all or part of the uterus.

A

Hysterectomy

74
Q

The yellowish discoloration of the skin, sclerae (white of the eyes) and mucous membranes caused by hyperbilirubinemia.

A

Icteric (Jaundice)

75
Q

The act of hardening; a specific area of hardened tissue

A

Induration

76
Q

Necrotic area of tissue following cessation of the blood supply.

A

Infarct

77
Q

To penetrate the interstices of a tissue or substance

A

Infiltrate

78
Q

Administered into a muscle (IM)

A

Intramuscular administration

79
Q

Administered directly into the marrow of a bone (IO)

A

Intraosseous administration

80
Q

Administered into a vein (IV)

A

Intravenous administration

81
Q

Temporary and localized anemia due to restricting circulation to an area.

A

Ischemia

82
Q

The lower section of the pharynx which extends inferiorly to the larynx.

A

Laryngopharynx

83
Q

Also known as the voice box, this organ is involved in breathing, sound production, and protection of the trachea against aspiration.

A

Larynx

84
Q

Quadrant of the abdomen which is located to the left of the midline and below the umbilicus.

A

Left lower quadrant

85
Q

Quadrant of the abdomen which is located to the left of the midline and above the umbilicus.

A

Left upper quadrant

86
Q

An organ located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen which serves a wide range of functions, including the detoxification of metabolites.

A

Liver

87
Q

The presence of numerous small spaces or cavities.

A

Loculations

88
Q

A chronic, abnormal enlargement of the lymph nodes, usually associated with disease.

A

Lymphadenopathy

89
Q

A general feeling of discomfort or illness. When people say, “I don’t feel myself,” or, “I don’t feel well.”

A

Malaise

90
Q

An unpleasant smell.

A

Malodorous

91
Q

A photograph of the breasts made by X-rays used in the screening of breast cancer.

A

Mammogram

92
Q

The triad of nuchal rigidity, photophobia, and headache. It is a sign of irritation of the meninges.

A

Meningismus

93
Q

Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges, most prominently due to bacteria, viruses and other infectious agents.

A

Meningitis

94
Q

Unwanted contraction of muscular tissue often attributed to muscle fatigue, dehydration, or electrolyte abnormalities.

A

Muscle spasm

95
Q

Muscular pain

A

Myalgia

96
Q

Also known as a heart attack.

A

Myocardial infarction

97
Q

The surgical removal of uterine fibroids that doesn’t involve a hysterectomy.

A

Myomectomy

98
Q

A surgical procedure in which small incisions are made to the tympanic membrane in order to relieve pressure or to allow the placement of tubes.

A

Myringotomy

99
Q

Commonly referred to as the nostrils. Note, “naris” is used in reference to a single nostril.

A

Nares

100
Q

The section of the pharynx residing behind the nasal cavity that extends from the base of the skull to the soft palate.

A

Nasopharynx

101
Q

A stabbing, burning, and often severe pain due to an irritated or damage nerve.

A

Neuralgia

102
Q

The head is in a normal condition and without significant abnormalities.

A

Normocephalic

103
Q

Painful swallowing

A

Odynophagia

104
Q

The surgical removal of one or both ovaries.

A

Oophorectomy

105
Q

The section of the pharynx residing behind the oral cavity that extends from the uvula to the hyoid bone. Commonly referred to as the throat.

A

Oropharynx

106
Q

An infection of the outer ear canal. (The space leading to the tympanic membrane.)

A

Otitis externa

107
Q

An infection of the middle ear. (The space behind the tympanic membrane.)

A

Otitis media

108
Q

Paleness to the skin

A

Pallor

109
Q

Able to be touched or easily perceived.

A

Palpable

110
Q

An endocrine gland located behind the stomach which is responsible for the production of import hormones such as insulin and glucagon.

A

Pancreas

111
Q

A method for the early detection of cancer of the uterine cervix that involves the staining of exfoliated cells.

A

Pap smear

112
Q

Abnormal tactile sensation often described as creeping, burning, tingling, or numbness. (Think of the tingling you get in your extremities when they “fall asleep.”)

A

Paresthesia

113
Q

Also known as the kneecap.

A

Patella

114
Q

The abdominal region surrounding the navel.

A

Periumbilical

115
Q

Per os, commonly abbreviated as “PO,” roughly translates from Latin to mean by mouth.

A

Per os (PO)

116
Q

A specific type of blood-containing stool, hematochezia is easily identified by its red color. The color is typically indicative of a lower GI bleed.

A

Hematochezia

117
Q

A blood-containing stool that is often referred to as a “black, tarry stool.” Typically indicative of an upper GI bleed.

A

Melena

118
Q

Abnormal intolerance to light

A

Photophobia

119
Q

Painful inflammation of the pleura

A

Pleurisy

120
Q

Inflammatory illness of the lung.

A

Pneumonia

121
Q

Presence of air or gas in the pleural space that may occur spontaneously or due to trauma. Commonly referred to as a collapsed lung.

A

Pneumothorax

122
Q

An accumulation of mucus from the nasopharynx seen on the posterior wall of the oropharynx.

A

Post-nasal drip

123
Q

Vomiting as a result of violent or forceful coughing.

A

Posttussive emesis

124
Q

Pertaining to or consisting of pus. Commonly referred to as purulent discharge.

A

Purulent

125
Q

The smaller of the two long bones of the forearm. Extends from the lateral aspect of the elbow to the lateral aspect of the wrist.

A

Radius

126
Q

Abnormal rattling sound heard on auscultation of the lungs.

A

Rale

127
Q

Eliciting abdominal tenderness upon removal of pressure rather than application of pressure to the abdomen. Indicative of an inflammation of the peritoneum and often associated with appendicitis.

A

Rebound tenderness

128
Q

A light-sensitive tissue layer that communicates with the optic nerve within the posterior eye.

A

Retina

129
Q

Also known as a runny nose.

A

Rhinorrhea

130
Q

A whistling or snoring sound heard on auscultation of the chest when air channels are partially obstructed; The plural of rhonchus.

A

Rhonchi

131
Q

Quadrant of the abdomen which is located to the right of the midline and below the umbilicus. Pain in the quadrant is often associated with appendicitis.

A

Right lower quadrant

132
Q

Quadrant of the abdomen which is located to the right of the midline and above the umbilicus. Pain in the quadrant is often associated with cholecystitis.

A

Right upper quadrant

133
Q

a triangular bone in the lower back formed from fused vertebrae and situated between the two hipbones of the pelvis.

A

Sacrum

134
Q

Dense fibrous opaque outer coat enclosing the eyeball aside from the part covered by the cornea.

A

Sclera

135
Q

A single episode of epilepsy, often named for the type it represents.

A

Seizure

136
Q

Fluid from the body that is typically pale yellow and transparent.

A

Serous fluid

137
Q

Overstretching or tearing of a ligament.

A

Sprain

138
Q

Also known as phlegm or spit.

A

Sputum

139
Q

Also referred to as the breastbone. It is a long flat bone located in the center of the chest which connects to the ribs via cartilage.

A

Sternum

140
Q

Overstretching or tearing of a muscle and/or tendon.

A

Strain

141
Q

A harsh or high-pitched respiratory sound, caused by an obstruction of the air passages.

A

Stridor

142
Q

Also known as “belly breathing.” The indrawing of the abdomen just below the rib cage during respiration. Often associated with respiratory distress.

A

Subcostal retractions

143
Q

Administered just beneath the skin (SubQ)

A

Subcutaneous administration

144
Q

Reporting a fever without a measured temperature. i.e. “feeling feverish.”

A

Subjective fever

145
Q

Administered beneath the tongue, via dissolving medication (SL)

A

Sublingual administration

146
Q

Thoughts of killing oneself

A

Suicidal ideation

147
Q

Midline region of the abdomen which is below the umbilicus and above the pelvis.

A

Suprapubic region

148
Q

Loss of consciousness; to faint.

A

Syncope

149
Q

Abnormally rapid heart rate

A

Tachycardia

150
Q

Abnormally rapid respiration

A

Tachypnea

151
Q

The larger of the two long bones of the lower leg. It extends from the medial aspect of the knee to the medial aspect of the ankle.

A

Tibia

152
Q

A ringing in the ears

A

Tinnitus

153
Q

Surgical excision of a tonsil

A

Tonsillectomy

154
Q

Also known as the windpipe, this cartilaginous tube connects the larynx to the primary bronchus.

A

Trachea

155
Q

Also known as the “eardrum.”

A

Tympanic membrane

156
Q

The larger of the two long bones of the forearm. Extends from the medial aspect of the elbow to the medial aspect of the wrist.

A

Ulna

157
Q

Midline region of the abdomen which surrounds the umbilicus.

A

Umbilical region

158
Q

Also known as navel or “belly button.”

A

Umbilicus

159
Q

Commonly referred to as hives.

A

Urticaria

160
Q

Noncancerous growths in the uterus which often result in pain and/or heavy menstrual bleeding.

A

Uterine fibroids

161
Q

Vessel carrying deoxygenated blood to the heart, excluding pulmonary veins.

A

Vein

162
Q

The lower chambers of the heart which receive blood from their respective atrium before pumping the blood into the lungs (the right) or arterial circulation (the left).

A

Ventricle (Left and Right)

163
Q

The sensation of room-spinning dizziness that is often secondary to movement of the head.

A

Vertigo

164
Q

Fluid or air-filled cavity or sac.

A

Vesicle

165
Q

A whistling sound resulting from narrowing of the lumen of the respiratory passageways

A

Wheeze

Medical Terms (1 decks)

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