Medical Vocabulary Flashcards
Aerosol Therapy
An inhaled medication, suspended in a mist and delivered by a nebulizer while the patient breathes; also available in metered - dose inhaler form
Alveolar Sacs
Structure located at the ends of the bronchioles that lead in the alveoli
Alveoli
Tiny structures included in the alveolar sacs where gas exchange occurs
Antibiotic
A drug that fights or prevents bacterial infections
Antihistamine
A drug that blocks the effects of histamines, which are chemical in the body that produce symptoms of allergic reactions
Antitussive
A drug that suppresses a cough
Apnea
Temporary interruption of breathing
Arterial Blood Gases(ABGs)
A test used to assess the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood
Aspiration
Drawing in of a foreign body, food, or fluid through the nose, throat, or lungs during inspiration
Asthma
Condition characterized by sudden, periodic attacks by dyspnea accompanied by wheezing, causing by a spasm of the bronchial tubes or by swelling of the mucous membranes of the bronchi
Atelctasis
Collapsed or airless lung caused by any condition that prevent the alveoli from expanding normally to allow breathing and coughing
Beta - adrenergic Agonist
A drug that dilates the bronchi
Bradypnea
Condition of slower than normal breathing
Bronchi
Subdivisions of the trachea that convey air to and from the lungs; also known as bronchial tubes
Bronchioles
Very tiny airway branches that split off of the bronchi
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes
Bronchodilator
A drug that relaxes muscle spasms in the bronchial tubes
Bronchogenic Carcinoma
A malignant tumor that originates in the bronchi; also known as lung cancer
Bronchoscopy
A visual examination inside the bronchi using a scope
Bronchospasm
Sudden, involuntary contractions in the bronchi
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Emergency lifesaving treatment given to someone whose breathing or heartbeat has stopped
Carina
The ridge that separates the openings of the right and left main bronchi at their junction with the trachea
Chest X-ray (CXR)
A radiographic image of the lungs and heart; often done with anterior, posterior and lateral views
Cheyne - Stokes Respiration
Unusual breathing pattern characterized by periods of apnea (between 10 and 60 seconds), followed by gradually increasing respirations
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Disease characterized by a reduced ability of the lungs to perform their function of ventilation
Common Cold
Acute (short - term) inflammation of the respiratory mucous membranes; also called nasopharyngitis
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
The use of a machine that delivers mild air pressure to keep the airways open, a common treatment for sleep apnea
Croup
Childhood disease characterized by a “barking” cough and high - pitched breathing
Cyanosis
Condition of bluish tint to the skin due to lack of oxygen circulation to the body tissues
Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
Inherited disease that affects the respiratory system, pancreas, and sweat glands
Decongestant
A drug that reduces congestion
Diaphragm
A dome - shaped structure the thoracic and abdominal cavities, which contracts to increase thoracic volume and inflates the lungs
Dyspnea
Difficult or painful breathing
Emphysema
Chronic pulmonary disease characterized by an abdominal increase in the size of the alveoli accompanied by loss of elasticity; results in shortness of breath and impaired heart function
Empyema
Pus in the pleural cavity; usually the result of a lung function
Endotracheal (ET) intubation
Insertion of a breathing tube through the mouth and glottis and into the trachea to open and maintain a clear airway
Epiglottis
A leaf - like structure of fibrocartilage that closes the opening to the larynx when you swallow food and liquid, and which opens to allow air into the larynx when you breathe
Epiglottitis
Inflammation of the epiglottis
Eupnea
Condition of normal breathing
Eustachian Tube
A bony and cartilaginous tube that connects the middle ear with the nasopharynx, and which equalizes pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane
Expectorant
A drug that produces thinner mucus
Expiration
The process of breathing out
External Respiration
A process that involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the cells of the body
Glottis
The space between the vocal cords
Glucocorticoid
A drug that suppresses inflammation
Hay Fever (allergic rhinitis)
Allergic disease of the mucous membranes in the nose and the upper respiratory passages; cause by exposure to pollen from grass, weeds, flowers, and other allergenic substances
Heimlich Manueuver
A lifesaving technique in which an obstructed airway is cleared by exerting pressure on the diaphragm
Hemothorax
Bloody fluid in the pleural cavity cause by the rupture of small blood vessels due to inflammation of the lungs