Medical Vocabulary Flashcards
(121 cards)
1
Q
Aerosol Therapy
A
An inhaled medication, suspended in a mist and delivered by a nebulizer while the patient breathes; also available in metered - dose inhaler form
2
Q
Alveolar Sacs
A
Structure located at the ends of the bronchioles that lead in the alveoli
3
Q
Alveoli
A
Tiny structures included in the alveolar sacs where gas exchange occurs
4
Q
Antibiotic
A
A drug that fights or prevents bacterial infections
5
Q
Antihistamine
A
A drug that blocks the effects of histamines, which are chemical in the body that produce symptoms of allergic reactions
6
Q
Antitussive
A
A drug that suppresses a cough
7
Q
Apnea
A
Temporary interruption of breathing
8
Q
Arterial Blood Gases(ABGs)
A
A test used to assess the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood
9
Q
Aspiration
A
Drawing in of a foreign body, food, or fluid through the nose, throat, or lungs during inspiration
10
Q
Asthma
A
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
11
Q
Atelctasis
A
Collapsed or airless lung caused by any condition that prevent the alveoli from expanding normally to allow breathing and coughing
12
Q
Beta - adrenergic Agonist
A
A drug that dilates the bronchi
13
Q
Bradypnea
A
Condition of slower than normal breathing
14
Q
Bronchi
A
Subdivisions of the trachea that convey air to and from the lungs; also known as bronchial tubes
15
Q
Bronchioles
A
Very tiny airway branches that split off of the bronchi
16
Q
Bronchitis
A
Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes
17
Q
Bronchodilator
A
A drug that relaxes muscle spasms in the bronchial tubes
18
Q
Bronchogenic Carcinoma
A
A malignant tumor that originates in the bronchi; also known as lung cancer
19
Q
Bronchoscopy
A
A visual examination inside the bronchi using a scope
20
Q
Bronchospasm
A
Sudden, involuntary contractions in the bronchi
21
Q
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
A
Emergency lifesaving treatment given to someone whose breathing or heartbeat has stopped
22
Q
Carina
A
The ridge that separates the openings of the right and left main bronchi at their junction with the trachea
23
Q
Chest X-ray (CXR)
A
A radiographic image of the lungs and heart; often done with anterior, posterior and lateral views
24
Q
Cheyne - Stokes Respiration
A
Unusual breathing pattern characterized by periods of apnea (between 10 and 60 seconds), followed by gradually increasing respirations
25
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Disease characterized by a reduced ability of the lungs to perform their function of ventilation
26
Common Cold
Acute (short - term) inflammation of the respiratory mucous membranes; also called nasopharyngitis
27
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
28
Croup
Childhood disease characterized by a "barking" cough and high - pitched breathing
29
Cyanosis
Condition of bluish tint to the skin due to lack of oxygen circulation to the body tissues
30
Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
Inherited disease that affects the respiratory system, pancreas, and sweat glands
31
Decongestant
A drug that reduces congestion
32
Diaphragm
A dome - shaped structure the thoracic and abdominal cavities, which contracts to increase thoracic volume and inflates the lungs
33
Dyspnea
Difficult or painful breathing
34
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
35
Empyema
Pus in the pleural cavity; usually the result of a lung function
36
Endotracheal (ET) intubation
Insertion of a breathing tube through the mouth and glottis and into the trachea to open and maintain a clear airway
37
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
38
Epiglottitis
Inflammation of the epiglottis
39
Eupnea
Condition of normal breathing
40
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
41
Expectorant
A drug that produces thinner mucus
42
Expiration
The process of breathing out
43
External Respiration
A process that involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the cells of the body
44
Glottis
The space between the vocal cords
45
Glucocorticoid
A drug that suppresses inflammation
46
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
47
Heimlich Manueuver
A lifesaving technique in which an obstructed airway is cleared by exerting pressure on the diaphragm
48
Hemothorax
Bloody fluid in the pleural cavity cause by the rupture of small blood vessels due to inflammation of the lungs
49
Hyperpnea
Condition of deeper than normal breathing
50
Hyperventiliation
Condition in which breathing is faster and deeper than normal
51
Hypoventilation
Condition in which breathing is too slow and shallow
52
Influenza
Acute, contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract characterized by sudden onset, fever, chills, headache, myalgia (muscle aches), cough, and sore throat
53
Inspiration
The process of breathing in
54
Internal respiration
A process that involves gas exchange at the cellular and tissue levels
55
Layngitis
Inflammation of the larynx
56
Laryngopharynx
The third section of the pharynx, through which air, food, and liquid passes
57
Larynx
The organ of voice production; also known as the voice box
58
Lungs
The main organs of the respiratory system
59
Mast cell stabilizer
A drug that inhibits release of histamines, which are chemicals in the body that produce symptoms of allergic reactions
60
Mediastinum
A cavity that divides the lungs and which contains the trachea, esophagus, heart, superior and inferior vena cavae and aorta
61
Medulla Oblongata
An area of the brain that acts as a control center that initiates and sustains the breathing process
62
Mucolytic
A drug that loosens mucus
63
Nasal Cavity
A cavity on either side of the nasal septum that filters, warms, and humidifies inhaled air
64
Nasal Polyp
A tumor with a stem of new growth in the nose or nasal cavity
65
Nasopharynx
The first section of the pharynx, through which air passes
66
Olfactory Region
The area located on the roof on the nasal cavity, which is connected to the senses of smell and taste
67
Oropharynx
The second section of the pharynx, through which air, food, and liquid pass
68
Orthopnea
Condition in which breathing becomes easier when the patient is sitting up straight
69
Oximetry
The use of noninvasive device, called an oximeter, to measure blood oxygen level
70
Paranasal Sinuses
Two air filled cavities in the bones of the face that are lined by mucous membranes; include the frontal, ethmoid, maxillary, and sphenoid sinuses
71
Parietal Pleura
The membrane that lines the thoracic cavity and upper side of the diaphragm
72
Perfusionist
A healthcare worker who manages the heart - lung during operations when a patient's heart must be stopped; can administer blood products and medications and control the patient's body temp
73
Pharyngitis
Inflammation of the phraynx
74
Pharynx
The muscular, tubular passage of the digestive and respiratory tracts that extends from the back of the nasal cavity and mouth to the esophagus; also known as the throat
75
Pleural Cavity
The space between the parietal and visceral layers of the pleura
76
Pleural Effusion
The escape of fluid into the pleural cavity due to excessive fluid buildup in the pleural space
77
Pleural Fluid
The fluid located between the parietal and visceral layers of the pleura, which helps reduce friction
78
Pneumonia
Inflammation of the lungs caused by a bacterium, virus, fungus, or chemical irritant
79
Pneumothorax
A collection of air or gas in the pleural space
80
Polysomnography
Monitoring of a patient during sleep to aid in diagnosing apnea or other sleep disorders; also known as a sleep study
81
Postural Drainage
A treatment used to drain pulmonary secretions after a patient has been placed in a position that uses gravity to promote the drainage (that is, the head lower than the feet)
82
Pulmonary Angiography
An X-ray visualization of arteries and veins using a contrast agent (dye) injected into the patient's bloodstream
83
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
A traveling blood clot that becomes lodged in a lung
84
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
A group of tests performed to measure airflow into and out of the lungs; lung volumes; and gas exchange between the lungs and the bloodstream
85
Pulmonologist
A medical doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions and diseases of the lungs and cardiopulmonary system
86
Rales
An abnormal crackling sound heard during auscultation of the lungs while the patient is breathing in; usually indicates the presence of fluid or mucus in the airway
87
Respiration
The process of gas exchange
88
Respiratory Rate
The number of breaths that a person takes in a minute; a type of vital sign used to measure the function of the respiratory system
89
Respiratory Region
The area that is responsible for warming and humidifying the air that travels through it
90
Respiratory Therapist
A healthcare worker who cares for patients suffering from health conditions and diseases that affect their breathing
91
Rhochi
A coarse rattling or high - pitched snoring sound heard during auscultation of the lungs; usually indicates narrowing of the air passages, such as during asthma or aa respiratory infection
92
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinuses cause by a viral of bacterial infection
93
Sleep Apnea
Periodic cessation (interruption or stoppage) of breathing during sleep
94
Spirometry
The measurement of air capacity in the lungs using a device called a spirometer
95
Sputum
Mucus couughed up form the respiratory tract
96
Sputum
Mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract
97
Sputum culture and sensitivity
A test in which secretions from the lungs are places in a growth medium, observed for bacterial reproduction, and then tested for antibiotic effectiveness
98
Sputum Cytology
The microscopic examination of lung secretions for the presence of malignant (cancerous) cells
99
Sternum
The breastbone
100
Strep Throat
Infection of the throat cause by the Streptococcus bacterium; characterized by a red, painful, and purulent (containing pus) throat
101
Stridor
Harsh, high - pitched sound during respiration that indicates an airway obstruction
102
Supplemental Oxygen Therapy
Additional concentration of oxygen provided by an endotracheal (ET) tube, mask, or nasal cannulae to increase blood oxygen levels
103
Sweat Test
A test that aids in the diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) by measuring the amount of chloride (sodium) present in sweat
104
Tachypnea
Condition of faster than normal breathing
105
Thoracentesis
A surgical puncture into the chest wall to aspirate (draw out by means of suction) fluid from the pleural sac
106
Thoracic Cage
The rib cage
107
Thoracic Surgeon
A medical doctor who performs surgical procedures on organs in the chest
108
Thoracic Surgery
A branch of medicine dealing with operative procedures that are used to diagnose and treat conditions and disease of the chest
109
Thoracostomy
The surgical creation of an opening in the chest to drain air or fluid; also known as a chest tube
110
Tonsillitis
Inflammation of the tonsils by a viral or bacterial infection
111
Trachea
The air tube that extends from larynx and which allows air to travel to and from the lungs
112
Tracheostomy
The surgical creation of an opening in the trachea to allow a patient to breathe more easily
113
Tuberculin (TB) skin test (Mantoux tuberculin test)
The injection of a tuberculin - purified protein derivative (PPD) under the skin to determine whether or not a person has been exposed to tuberculosis
114
Tuberculosis (TB)
A serious communicable (contagious) disease cause by a bacterial infection of the lungs which is spread through droplets of coughing and sneezing
115
Upper Respiratory Tract
The area is responsible for the inhalation and humidification of air and for transporting air to the lower respiratory tract; includes the nose, nasal cavities, sinus cavities, pharynx and larynx
116
Ventilation
The process by which air moves into and out of lungs
117
Ventilation/Perfusion (V/Q) scan
A nuclear medicine diagnostic procedure in which radioactive air is inhaled by the patient and the lungs are observed to determine whether or not they are filling with air
118
Ventilator
A machine that delivers artificial respiration for a patient who is unstable to breathe effectively on his or her own
119
Vestibular Region
The area that contains coarse hairs that act as a first line of defense against infection
120
Visceral Pleura
The serous (watery) membrane that encases and protects the lungs
121
Vocal Cords
Mucous membrane folds in the larynx that move and produce sound; also known as vocal folds
