Pathophysiology Glossary Flashcards

1
Q

abscess

A

a localized pocket of purulent exudate surrounded by imflammation

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2
Q

accomodation

A

the lens of the eye adjusts its shape for distance

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3
Q

achlorhydria

A

a lack of hydrochloric acid in the gastric secretions

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4
Q

acidosis

A

an increased number of hydrogen ions; a blood pH of less than 7.4

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5
Q

adenocarcinoma

A

malignant tumor arising from glandular epithelial cells

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6
Q

adenoma

A

benign tumor made up of glandular epithelial cells

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7
Q

adhesion

A

a band of fibrous scar tissue forming an abnormal connection between two surfaces or structures

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8
Q

adrenergic

A

related to the sympathetic nervous system transmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine

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9
Q

afferent

A

toward the center; for example, afferent nerves carry impulses toward the central nervous system

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10
Q

agenesis

A

lack of an organ or structure because of a developmental error

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11
Q

agglutination

A

clumping together of cells or particles

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12
Q

AIDS

A

a chronic infectious disease caused by HIV, which destroys helper t-lymphocytes. causing a loss of immune response

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13
Q

albumin

A

a plasma protein responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure of the blood

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14
Q

aldosterone

A

a mineralocorticoid hormone that increases the reabsorption of sodium and water in the renal tubules

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15
Q

alkalosis

A

a decreased number of hydrogen ions; a blood pH of greater than 7.4

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16
Q

allele

A

one of two forms of a gene at corresponding sites on a chromosome pair; the code for phenotype or characteristic manifested in an individual

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17
Q

allergen

A

an antigen that can initiate an allergic reaction

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18
Q

alopecia

A

hair loss

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19
Q

amenorrhea

A

the absence of menstrual periods

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20
Q

amnesia

A

loss of memory

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21
Q

amniocentesis

A

removal of a small amount of amniotic fluid from around the fetus for examination and diagnosis

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22
Q

amputation

A

the removal of a body part

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23
Q

anabolism

A

the building up or synthesis of complex compounds from simple molecules

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24
Q

anaerobic

A

metabolism and function without oxygen

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25
Q

analgesic

A

a substance that relieves pain

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26
Q

anaphalaxis

A

a life-threatening systemic allergic or hypersensitivity reaction, with respiratory obstruction and decreased blood pressure

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27
Q

anaplasia

A

undifferentiated primitive cells of variable size and shape, associated with cancer

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28
Q

anasarca

A

severe generalized edema

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29
Q

anastomosis

A

a connection between two blood vessels or tubes

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30
Q

androgen

A

steroid hormone that enhances male characteristics (e.g. testosterone)

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31
Q

anemia

A

a decrease in circulating hemoglobin and oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood because of decreased RBC production, decreased hemoglobin production, excessive hemolysis, or loss of blood

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32
Q

anencephaly

A

congenital condition where most of the brain and skull are absent

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33
Q

anesthetic

A

a substance that reduces sensation, locally or systemically

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34
Q

aneurysm

A

an outpouching or abnormal dilated area in a blood vessel

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35
Q

angiogenesis

A

the development of new capillaries

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36
Q

angiography

A

an examination of blood vessels using radiographs with a contrast medium

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37
Q

angioplasty

A

repair of a blood vessel

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38
Q

angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)

A

an enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent general vasoconstrictor and stimulus for aldosterone secretion

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39
Q

anion

A

a negatively charged ion such as chloride, Cl-

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40
Q

ankylosis

A

fixation or immobility of a joint

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41
Q

ankylosis

A

fixation or immobility at a joint

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42
Q

anomaly

A

an abnormal structure, often congenital

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43
Q

anorexia

A

loss of appetite

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44
Q

antagonism

A

opposing action

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45
Q

antibiotic

A

a substance derived from microorganisms that is used to treat infection

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46
Q

antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

A

increases absorption of water in the renal tubules

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47
Q

antigen

A

a substance that causes the production of antibodies

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48
Q

antimicrobial

A

an agent that kills or inhibits growth and reproduction of microorganisms

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49
Q

antineoplastic

A

a substance or process that destroys neoplastic cells

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50
Q

antioxidant

A

a substance such as vitamin E that reduces oxygenation and production of damaging “free radicals” during cell metabolism

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51
Q

antiseptic

A

reduces the number of microorganisms on the skin

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52
Q

anuria

A

absence of urine production

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53
Q

aphasia

A

loss of the ability to communicate, speak coherently, or understand speech

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54
Q

apnea

A

lack of breathing

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55
Q

apoptosis

A

normal programmed cell death in tissues

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56
Q

arrhythmia

A

loss of normal heart rate and rhythm; dysrhythmia

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57
Q

arteriosclerosis

A

hardening and loss of elasticity of the arterial wall with narrowing of the lumen

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58
Q

arthroscopy

A

examination and possible treatment of a joint through insertion of a small instrument

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59
Q

Aschoff Bodies

A

localized lesions in the heart muscle that may interfere with conduction

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60
Q

ascites

A

abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity

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61
Q

asepsis

A

the absence of pathogens

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62
Q

aspiration

A

inhaling liquid or solid material into the lungs, or withdrawing fluid or tissue from a cavity or organ

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63
Q

asymptomatic

A

no signs or symptoms

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64
Q

asystole

A

absence of cardiac contractions; cardiac arrest or standstill

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65
Q

ataxia

A

impaired coordination, imbalance, staggering gait

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66
Q

atelectasis

A

collapse and nonaeration of part or all of a lung

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67
Q

atherosclerosis

A

development of obstruction by cholesterol plaques and thrombus on the walls of large arteries

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68
Q

athetoid

A

involuntary writhing movement of limbs and body

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69
Q

atopic

A

inherited tendency to hypersensitivities

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70
Q

atresia

A

blind end to a tube, loss of the lumen

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71
Q

atrophy

A

degeneration and wasting of tissue, organs, or muscle due to decrease in cell size

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72
Q

atypical

A

unusual, not characteristic

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73
Q

aura

A

a sensation (e.g. visual or auditory), usually preceding a seizure or migraine headache

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74
Q

auscultation

A

listening for sounds, perhaps with a stethoscope, within the body (e.g. lungs, heart, intestines)

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75
Q

autoantibody

A

antibodies to self-antigens such as cells or DNA

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76
Q

autoclave

A

an appliance to sterilize instruments or materials with steam at high temperature and pressure

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77
Q

autodigestion

A

abnormal destruction of tissues by activated digestive enzymes

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78
Q

autoimmune

A

the development of antibodies to self-antigens

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79
Q

autoinoculation

A

the spread of infection (e.g. by fingers) from one site to a second site on the body

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80
Q

autopsy

A

an examination of part or all of a body, including organs, after death (postmortem) to determine the cause of illness and death

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81
Q

autoregulation

A

autonomic regulation or reflex control of blood flow in an area depending on the local needs

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82
Q

azotemia

A

excess urea and other nitrogen wastes in the blood, as in renal failure

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83
Q

bacteremia

A

bacteria present in the circulating blood

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84
Q

bactericidal

A

chemical that destroys bacteria

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85
Q

bacteriostatic

A

substance that reduces the growth of and reproduction of bacteria

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86
Q

baroreceptor

A

a sensory nerve receptor that is stimulated by a change in pressure, perhaps blood pressure

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87
Q

basal metabolic rate

A

the amount of energy (measured by oxygen requirements) to maintain essential function in the body at rest

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88
Q

benign

A

nonthreatening, mild, or nonmalignant

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89
Q

bicurcation

A

the division of a tube or vessel into two channels or branches

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90
Q

bilirubin

A

a product of the breakdown of hemoglobin, excreted in bile

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91
Q

biopsy

A

the removal of a small piece of living tissue for microscopic examination to determine a diagnosis

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92
Q

bolus

A

a round mass of food ready to be swallowed; a dose of concentrated drug administered intravenously all at once

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93
Q

borborygmus

A

the rumbling or gurgling sounds from gas in the intestine

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94
Q

bradycardia

A

abnormally slow heart rate

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95
Q

bradykinin

A

a chemical mediator released during inflammation causing vasodilation

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96
Q

Broca’s Area

A

area of the left frontal lobe of the brain in which the output of words, both written and verbal, is coordinated

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97
Q

bronchoconstriction

A

contraction of smooth muscle in the bronchioles

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98
Q

bruit

A

an abnormal sound heard by auscultation (e.g. blood flow in an aneurysm

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99
Q

cachexia

A

extreme loss of weight and body wasting associated with serious illness

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100
Q

calcification

A

deposits of calcium in tissues

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101
Q

calculus

A

a stone developing in the body (e.g. kidney or bile)

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102
Q

carcinogen

A

a substance that causes cancer by changing normal cells

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103
Q

cardiomegaly

A

a heart that is larger than normal size

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104
Q

caries (dental)

A

destruction of the tooth surface or erosion in the enamel surface of a tooth

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105
Q

carpopedal spasm

A

a strong muscle contraction of the hand or foot

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106
Q

carrier

A

a person hosting an infectious pathogen who shows no signs of the disease but could transmit the infection to others

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107
Q

catabolism

A

the breakdown of complex molecules into simple molecules during metabolism

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108
Q

cataract

A

an opacity of the lens of the eye

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109
Q

catheter

A

a small tube inserted into the bladder to remove urine; a tube inserted into a blood vessel or other structure to allow drainage or maintain an opening

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110
Q

cation

A

a positively charged ion such as sodium, Na+

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111
Q

chemical mediator

A

a chemical released in the body during an inflammatory response or immune response

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112
Q

chemoreceptor

A

a sensory nerve receptor stimulated by chemical changes such as pH

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113
Q

chemotaxis

A

the movement of cells toward or away from an area of the body in response to chemical signals (e.g. phagocytic cells move to an area of tissue injury)

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114
Q

cholestasis

A

obstructed flow of bile in the liver or biliary tract

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115
Q

chorea

A

involuntary repeated jerky movements of face and limbs

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116
Q

Chorionic Villus

A

part of the placenta that can be tested for genetic defects in the fetus

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117
Q

choroid plexus

A

infoldings of blood vessels blood vessels of the pia mater that secrete cerebrospinal fluid

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118
Q

chromosome

A

made up of genes, the genetic code of the living cell, consisting of DNA

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119
Q

chronic

A

a condition with insidious or slow onset, mild but continuous manifestations, and long-lasting, often progressive, effects

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120
Q

chyme

A

thick, semifluid mixture of partially digested food passing out of the stomach into the duodenum

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121
Q

clonic movements

A

consisting of rapid, alternating contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscle

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122
Q

coagulation

A

the process of changing a liquid into a solid (e.g. blood forming a thrombus)

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123
Q

cognitive

A

intellectual abilities, for example memory, thinking, problem solving, judgment, intitiative

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124
Q

cohesion

A

tendency to stick together or be attracted

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125
Q

colic

A

sharp severe pain resulting from strong, smooth muscle contraction (e.g. intestinal)

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126
Q

collagen

A

the common protein making up connective tissue and bone

127
Q

collagenase

A

an enzyme that breaks down collagen fibers

128
Q

colostomy

A

surgical creation of an artificial opening from the colon onto the abdominal surface

129
Q

coma

A

unconscious state; person cannot be aroused

130
Q

communicable disease

A

a disease that can be transmitted from an infected person, directly or indirectly, to other susceptible hosts

131
Q

complement

A

a series of inactive proteins circulating in the blood; when activated, they can destroy bacteria or antigens or participate in the inflammatory response

132
Q

compliance

A

the ability of the lungs to expand and recoil, or the patient’s willingness to follow a prescribed treatment

133
Q

congenital

A

present at birth

134
Q

contamination

A

the presence of a pathogen on a body, clothing, or inanimate object

135
Q

contracture

A

shortening of a muscle or scar tissue causing immobility and deformity of a joint or structure

136
Q

contraindications

A

any condition that renders a particular treatment improper or undesirable

137
Q

contralateral

A

opposite side of the body

138
Q

contusion

A

tissue injury or bruise; bleeding into tissues

139
Q

corticosteroid

A

the steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex, including the glucosteroids (cortisol) and mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)

140
Q

c-reactive protein (CRP)

A

appears in the blood with inflammation and necrosis

141
Q

crepitus

A

the noise heard when the ends of a broken bone rub together, or when fluid is present in the lung

142
Q

culture

A

growth of microorganisms on a specific nutritious medium in a laboratory

143
Q

cyanosis

A

bluish color of skin and mucosa that occurs when a large proportion of hemoglobin is unoxygenated

144
Q

cyst

A

a closed sac or capsule lined with epithelium, containing fkuild

145
Q

cytology

A

the study of cells

146
Q

cytotoxic

A

a substance that damages or destroys cells

147
Q

debridement

A

surgical removal of dead tissue and foreign material from a wound

148
Q

decubitus (ulcer)

A

skin breakdown from prolonged pressure on skin and tissue over a bony prominence leading to compressed blood vessels and ischemia

149
Q

dehydration

A

a deficit of water in the body

150
Q

dementia

A

a progressive loss of intellectual function, loss of memory, personality change

151
Q

demyelination

A

loss of hte myelin sheath from a nerve surface, interfering with conduction

152
Q

denude

A

stripping off skin, leaving bare

153
Q

dermatome

A

an area of skin innervated by a specific spinal nerve

154
Q

detoxification

A

the removal of a toxic or poisonous material and/or neutralization of its effects on a person

155
Q

dialysis

A

a procedure to remove wastes and excess fluid or adjust blood to normal values in cases of renal failure

156
Q

diapedesis

A

the passage of leukocytes through intact capillary walls to a site of inflammation

157
Q

diaphoresis

A

excessive perspiration

158
Q

differential count

A

the proportion of each type of leukocyte in a blood sample

159
Q

differentiation

A

increased specialization of cells for certain functions

160
Q

diffusion

A

the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration

161
Q

diplopia

A

double vision

162
Q

disinfectant

A

a chemical that may destroy or inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms

163
Q

disorientation

A

mental confusion with inadequate or incorrect awareness of time, place, and person

164
Q

diuresis

A

excessive amount of urine

165
Q

dosage

A

determination of the size, frequency, and number of doses

166
Q

dose

A

a quantity to be administered at one time

167
Q

dyscrasia

A

abnormality of the blood or bone marrow; abnormal cell characteristics or numbers

168
Q

dysentery

A

severe diarrhea, often bloody, with cramps

169
Q

dyspareunia

A

pain or discomfort in the pelvis during sexual intercourse

170
Q

dysphagia

A

painful or difficult swallowing

171
Q

dysplasia

A

disorganized cells that vary in size and shape with large nuclei

172
Q

dyspnea

A

difficulty breathing

173
Q

dysuria

A

painful urination

174
Q

ecchymoses

A

reddish blue discoloration of skin or mucosa because of bleeding

175
Q

ectopic

A

away from the normal position, displaced

176
Q

edema

A

the accumulation of excess fluid in cells, tissue, or a cavity, resulting in swelling

177
Q

efferent

A

moving away from the center; for example, efferent nerve fibers carry motor impulses to muscles

178
Q

effusion

A

the accumulation of fluid leaking from a blood vessel into acavity or potential space

179
Q

electrocardiogram (ECG)

A

a record of conduction in the heart

180
Q

embolus

A

a mass (e.g., blood clot, air, fat, tumor cells) that breaks away into the circulation and obstructs a blood vessel

181
Q

embryo

A

the early state of an organism’s life; in humans, the developmental stage between implantation in the uterus and 8 weeks

182
Q

encephalophathy

A

impaired function of the brain

183
Q

endarterectomy

A

removal of the intima and any obstructive material in an artery

184
Q

endemic

A

a disease that is always present in a specific region

185
Q

endogenous

A

originating from within the body

186
Q

endorphins

A

morphinelike substances produced in the body that block pain stimuli at sites in the brain and spinal cord

187
Q

endoscope

A

an illuminated optic instrument that can be inserted into a body cavity, tube, or organ to visualize any changes (bronchoscope, cystoscope, laparoscope)

188
Q

endospore

A

a latent form that certain bacteria can assume ander adverse conditions, in order to survive extreme temperatures, drying, or chemicals

189
Q

endotoxin

A

a toxin released from the walls of certain gram-negative bacteria after lysis

190
Q

enteric

A

related to the intestine

191
Q

enterotoxin

A

a toxin from certain bacteria that damages the intestinal mucosa

192
Q

enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA)

A

a test to detect certain antibodies

193
Q

eosinophilia

A

the formation and accumulation of an abnormally large number of eosinophils in the blood

194
Q

epidemic

A

a disease occurring in higher numbers than usual in a certain population within a given period

195
Q

epistaxis

A

nose bleed

196
Q

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

A

a virus that causes infectious mononucleosis

197
Q

erythema

A

redness and inflammation of the skin or mucosa due to vasodilation

198
Q

erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

A

the rate at which red blood cells settle out of a blood specimen (containing anticoagulant); an elevation in ESR is a general characteristic of inflammation

199
Q

etiology

A

cause or origin of a disease or abnormality

200
Q

euphoria

A

an exaggerated feeling of well-being or unrealistic elation

201
Q

eupnea

A

normal, regular, quiet breathing

202
Q

exacerbation

A

an acute episode or increased severity of manifestations

203
Q

excoriation

A

an abrasion or injury to the skin

204
Q

exogenous

A

originating from outside the body

205
Q

exteroreceptors

A

sensory receptors located close to the body surface and are sometimes referred to as cutaneous receptors

206
Q

exotoxin

A

toxin excreted by a bacterium (e.g. neurotoxin or enterotoxin)

207
Q

exudate

A

a fluid that accumulates and may leak from tissue, for example a serous exudate due to allergy, a purulent exudate, or pus associated with infection

208
Q

fascia

A

sheet of fibrous connective tissue separating and supporting muscle

209
Q

fecalith

A

a hard mass of feces, often impacted, in the intestine

210
Q

ferritin

A

a storage form of iron

211
Q

fetus

A

the human child in utero between 8 weeks and birth

212
Q

fibrinogen

A

the plasma protein that is formed into solid fibrin strands during the clotting process

213
Q

fibrinolysis

A

the breakdown of fibrin

214
Q

fibrosis

A

growth of fibrous or scar tissue related to collagen deposits

215
Q

fimbria

A

a hairlike projection on some bacteria

216
Q

fissure

A

a crack or split in the surface of skin or mucous membrane

217
Q

fistula

A

an abnormal tube or passage formed between structures, for example between the esophagus and trachea or between the rectum and skin

218
Q

flaccidity

A

lack of tone in muscle; weakness and softness

219
Q

foramen

A

an opening in bone or membrane

220
Q

free radical

A

a byproduct of cell metabolism that damages cell membranes, proteins and DNA

221
Q

fulminant

A

rapid, severe, uncontrollable progress of a disease or infection

222
Q

ganglion

A

a collection of nerve cell bodies, usually outside the central nervous system

223
Q

gangrene

A

necrotic tissue infected by bacteria

224
Q

gene

A

a unit of DNA in a particular location on a specific chromosome

225
Q

genetic

A

inherited

226
Q

genetic

A

inherited

227
Q

genotype

A

the genetic makeup of a cell or individual

228
Q

gestation

A

the time between conception and birth

229
Q

gingivitis

A

inflammation of the guns in the mouth

230
Q

globulin

A

a group of proteins in the blood

231
Q

glucocorticoid

A

the steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex, for example cortisol, that increase blood glucose levels and act to decrease inflammation and allergic reactions

232
Q

gluconeogenesis

A

the production of glucose from protein or fat

233
Q

glucosuria

A

glucose in the urine

234
Q

glycemic index

A

the rate at which an ingested carbohydrate elevates blood glucose levels

235
Q

glycogen

A

a polysaccharide, made up of glucose molecules, stored in skeletal muscle or the liver

236
Q

glycoprotein

A

a combination of protein and carbohydrate

237
Q

gram stain

A

a stain for bacteria that differentiates the cell walls of gram-positive bacteria from that of gram-negative bacteria; used for identification and choice of drug treatment

238
Q

granulation tissue

A

newly developed fragile tissue, consisting of fibroblasts and blood vessels, formed during healing

239
Q

granuloma

A

a nodular destructive mass associated with some chronic inflammation of infection

240
Q

gynecomastia

A

abnormal breast enlargement in men

241
Q

hallucination

A

a sensory perception (e.g. visual or auditory) that is not real but results from nervous system excitation

242
Q

hemarthrosis

A

bleeding into a joint cavity

243
Q

hematemesis

A

vomiting blood; may be called “coffee-grounds” vomitus because it appears brown and granular

244
Q

hematocrit

A

percentage of erythrocytes in a blood sample

245
Q

hematoma

A

a blood clot formed after bleeding into a tissue or organ

246
Q

hematuria

A

blood in the urine; may be microscopic (small amount) or gross (large amount, darkening the color)

247
Q

hemiparesis

A

weakness on one side of the body

248
Q

hemiplegia

A

paralysis on one side of the body

249
Q

hemolysis

A

destruction of erythrocytes with release of hemoglobin

250
Q

hemoptysis

A

frothy sputum containing streaks of blood, usually bright red; spitting up blood

251
Q

hemostasis

A

blood clotting or controlling bleeding

252
Q

heparin

A

a substance present in the body to prevent blood clotting

253
Q

hepatomegaly

A

enlarged liver

254
Q

hepatotoxin

A

a substance that damages the liver

255
Q

Hering-Breuer Reflex

A

a reflex that prevents excessive lung expansion

256
Q

heterozygous

A

having two different alleles at corresponding points on a chromosome pair

257
Q

hirsutism

A

excessive body hair in a male pattern

258
Q

histamine

A

a chemical released from mast cells and basophils during immune reactions; causes vasodilation and bronchoconstriction

259
Q

holistic

A

an approach to health care that includes the phyisical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient

260
Q

homeostasis

A

a relatively stable or constant environment in the body, including blood pressure, temperature, and pH, maintained by the various control mechanisms

261
Q

homozygous

A

having two identical alleles at corresponding points on a chromosome pair

262
Q

hypercapnia

A

increased level of carbon dioxide in the blood

263
Q

hyperemia

A

increased blood flow in an area, resulting in a warm, red area

264
Q

hyperkalemia

A

abnormally high level of potassium ions K+ in the blood

265
Q

hyperplasia

A

an abnormal increase in the number of cells resulting in an increased tissue mass

266
Q

hyperreflexia

A

excessive reflex responses

267
Q

hypertension

A

a persistent elevation of blood pressure

268
Q

hypertonic

A

a solution with a greater concentration of solutes or higher osmotic pressure that that inside the cells present in the solution

269
Q

hypertrophy

A

increased size of an organ or muscle due to increased size of individual cells

270
Q

hyperuricemia

A

excessive uric acid in the blood

271
Q

hyphae

A

filamentous or threadlike outgrowths produced by some fungi and bacteria

272
Q

hypoalbuminemia

A

abnormally low serum albumin levels

273
Q

hypoproteinemia

A

abnormally low level of plasma protein in the blood

274
Q

hypotension

A

low blood pressure and decreased tissue perfusion

275
Q

hypovolemia

A

decreased blood volume

276
Q

hypoxemia

A

insufficient oxygen in the aterial blood

277
Q

hypoxia

A

a decreased or insufficient level of oxygen in the tissues

278
Q

iatrogenic

A

caused by a treatment, procedure, or error

279
Q

ictal

A

related to a seizure (postictal - after a seizure)

280
Q

icterus

A

jaundice

281
Q

idiosyncrasy

A

an unusual reaction by an individual to a normally harmless substance

282
Q

idiopathic

A

no known cause

283
Q

immunocompetent

A

a person who can produce a normal immune response

284
Q

immunodeficiency

A

reduced ability of the immune system to produce an immune response to defend the body

285
Q

immunoglobulin

A

a protein with antibody activity

286
Q

incidence

A

the number of new cases of a disease in a certain population within a given period

287
Q

incontinence

A

lacking voluntary control over urination or defecation

288
Q

incubation period

A

the time between the initial exposure to the infectious agent and the appearance of the first signs of infection

289
Q

infarct

A

an area of dead tissue caused by lack of blood supply

290
Q

inflammation

A

the response to tissue damage, indicated by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain

291
Q

insidious

A

a disease whose onset is marked only by vague or mild general signs

292
Q

in situ

A

cell growth and reproduction, such as cancer, remaining at the original site, not invasive or spreading

293
Q

interferons

A

a group of antiviral glycoproteins produced by viral-infected cells

294
Q

interleukin

A

protein (cytokine) primarily produced by T cells, active in the inflammatory and immune responses and leukocyte communication

295
Q

intraarticular

A

into the joint cavity or joint space

296
Q

intractable

A

resistant to treatment (e.g. pain that cannot be relieved by drugs)

297
Q

ipsilateral

A

same side of the body

298
Q

ischemia

A

decreased blood supply to an organ or tissue

299
Q

isoenzymes

A

cell enzymes specific to certain organs that differ slightly in structure but have similar functions

300
Q

jaundice

A

yellow color of the sclera of the eye and skin due to excessive bilirubin in the body fluids for any reason

301
Q

karyotype

A

a visual demonstration of the pairs of cell chromosomes arranged in order of size

302
Q

keloid

A

abnormal healing causes overgrowth of collagen and mass of fibrous tissue

303
Q

ketone or ketoacid

A

chemical byproduct of lipid metabolism

304
Q

kyphosis

A

increased convex curvature of the spine in the thoracic region “hunchback”

305
Q

labile

A

unstable, changing

306
Q

laryngospasm

A

closure of the larynx, obstructing the airway

307
Q

latent

A

present but hidden and inactive

308
Q

lesion

A

an abnormality in the structure of a tissue or organ

309
Q

leukocytosis

A

an above-normal number of leukocytes (WBCs) in the blood

310
Q

leukopenia

A

a decreased number of leukocytes in the blood

311
Q

lichenification

A

hardening and thickening of the skin; leatherlike

312
Q

lithiasis

A

presence or formation of stones or calculi (e.g. cholelithiasis - gallstones)

313
Q

lordosis

A

exaggerated concave curve of the lumbar region of the spine