paramedic care vocabulary Flashcards
anemia
an inadequate number of red blood cells or inadequate hemoglobin within the red blood cells
antigen
marker on the surface of a cell that identifies it as self or nonself; any substance that is capable, under appropriate conditions, or inducing a specific immune system
autoimmune disease
condition in which the body makes antibodies against its own tissues
bohr effect
phenomenon in which a decrease in PCO2/acidity causes an increase in the quantity of oxygen that binds the hemoglobin and, conversely, an increase in PCO2/acidity causes the hemoglobin to give up a greater quantity of oxygen
chemotaxis
the movement of white blood cells in response to chemical signals
disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
a disorder of coagulation caused by systemic activation of the coagulation cascade
erythrocyte
the red blood cell
erythropoiesis
the process of producing red blood cells
erythropoietin
a hormone produced by kidney cells that stimulates maturation of red blood cells
fibrinolysis
the process through which plasmin dismantles a blood clot
hematocrit
the packed cell volume of red blood cells per unit of blood
hematology
the study of blood and the blood forming organs
hematopoiesis
the process through which pluripotent stem cells differentiaie into various types of blood cells
hemoglobin
oxygen bearing molecule in the red blood cells; made up of iron rich red pigment called heme and a protein called globin
hemolysis
destruction of red blood cells
hemophilia
a blood disorder in which one of the proteins necessary for blood clotting is missing or defective
hemostasia
the combinied three mechanisms that work to prevent or control blood loss
inflammatory process
a nonspecific defense mechanism that wards off domage from microorganisms or trauma
leukemia
a cancer of the hematopoitic cells
leukocyte
white blood cell
leukocytosis
too many white blood cells
leukopenia
too few white blood cells
leukopoiesis
the process through which stem cells differentiate into the white blood cells’ immature form
lymphoma
cancer of the lymphatic system
major basic protein (MBP)
a larvicidal peptide
multiple myeloma
a cancerous disorder of plasma cells
neutropenia
a reduction in the number of neutrophils
phagocytosis
process in which certain white blood cells engulf and destroy an invader
plasma
thick pale yellow fluid that makes up the liquid part of the blood
pluripotent stem cell
a cell from which various types of blood cells can form
polycythemia
an excess of red blood cells; an abnormally high hematocrit
Sequestration
the trapping of red blood cells by an organ such as the spleen
sickle cell anemia
an inherited disorder of red blood cell production, so named because the red blood cells become sickle shaped when oxygen levels are low
thrombocyte
blood platelet
thrombocytopenia
an abnormal decrease in the number of platelets
thrombosis
clot formation which is extremely dangerous when it occurs in the coronary arteries or cerebral vasculature
2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG)
chemical in the red blood cells that affects hemglobins affinity for oxygen
von williebrands disease
condition in which the vWF component of factor VIII is deficent
apoptosis
a type of cell death in which the cell uses specialized cellular machinary to kill itself, a cell suicide mechanism that enables metazoans to control cell number and eliminate cells that threaten the animals survival
periumbilical cyanosis
late and ominous sign indicative of later stage of ectopic pregnancy
zollinger-ellison syndrome
condition that causes the stomach to secreate excessive amounts of hydrochloric acid and pepcin
mcburneys point
common site of pain from appendicitis, 1-2” above the anterior iliac crest in a direct line with the umbilicus
murphy’s sign
pain caused when an inflamed gallbladder is palpated by pressing under the right coastal margin
kehr’s sign
pain may be referred to shoulder occurs in ectopic body
cullens sign
ecchymosis in the periumbilical area
greys turners sign
ecchymosis in the flank
pulsus paradoxus
a pulse that weakens abnormally during inspiration and is symptomatic of various abnormalities (as pericarditis)
viral infection
infection caused by the presence of a virus in the body. Depending on the virus and the persons state of health, various viruses can infect almost any type of body tissue, from the brain to the skin. viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics; in fact , in some cases the use of antibiotics makes the infection worse. the vast majority of human viral infections can be effectivily fought by the body’s own immune system, with a little help in the form of proper diet, hydration, and rest. As for the rest, treatment depends on the type and location of the virus, and may include anti-viral or other drugs
