Quiz 1 Flashcards
Hazardous material
substances that cause adverse health effects upon human exposure.
Index of suspicion
anticipation of possible injuries based on analysis of the event.
Mechanism of injury
combined strength, direction, and nature of forces that injured the patient.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
equipment designed to protect against infection. The minimum recommended PPE includes protective gloves, masks and protective eyewear, HEPA and N-95 respirators, gowns, and disposable resuscitation equipment.
Scene safety
doing everything possible to ensure a safe environment.
Standard Precautions
a strict form of infection control based on the assumption that all blood and other body fluids are infectious.
Circulation Assessment
evaluation of the pulse and skin and control of hemorrhage.
Decerebrate
arms and legs extended.
Decorticate
arms flexed, legs extended.
General impression
the initial, intuitive evaluation of the patient.
Primary assessment
prehospital process designed to identify and correct life-threatening airway, breathing, and circulation problems.
Closed questions
questions that ask for specific information and require only very short or yes-or-no answers; also called direct questions.
Closed stance
a posture or body position that is tense and suggests negativity, discomfort, fear, disgust, or anger.
Communication
the exchange of common symbols–written, spoken, or other kinds, such as signing and body language.
Cultural imposition
the imposition of one’s beliefs, values, and patterns of behavior on people of another culture.
Decode
interpret a message.
Delirium
an acute alteration in mental functioning that is often reversible.
Dementia
a deterioration of mental status that is usually associated with structural neurologic disease.
Depression
a mood disorder characterized by hopelessness and malaise.
Empathy
identification with and understanding of another’s situation, feelings, and motives.
Encode
create a message.
Ethnocentrism
viewing one’s own way of life as the most desirable, acceptable, or best, and acting in a superior manner to another culture’s way of life.
Feedback
a response to a message.
Leading questions
questions framed to guide the direction of a patient’s answers.
Nonverbal questions
gestures, mannerisms, and postures by which a person communicates with others; sometimes called body language.
Open stance
a posture or body position that is relaxed and suggests confidence, ease, warmth, and attentiveness.
Open ended questions
questions that permit unguided, spontaneous answers.
Chief Complaint
the pain, discomfort, or dysfunction that caused the patient to request help.
Differential field diagnosis
the list of possible causes for the patient’s symptoms.
Diuretic
a medication that stimulates the kidneys to excrete water.
Dysmenorrhea
difficult or painful menstruation.
Dyspnea
the sensation of having difficulty breathing.
HEENT
head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
Hematemisis
vomiting of blood.
Hematuria
blood in the urine.
Hemoptysis
coughing up of blood.
Intermittent claudication
intermittent calf pain while walking that subsides with rest.
Nocturia
excessive urination at night.
Orthopnea
difficulty breathing while lying supine.
Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
sudden onset of shortness of breath at night.
Polyuria
excessive urination.
Primary problem
the underlying cause for the patient’s symptoms.
Referred pain
pain that is felt in a location away from its source.
Tenderness
pain that is elicited through palpation.
Tinnitus
the sensation of ringing in the ears.
Afterload
resistance in the blood vessels that the heart must overcome to eject blood.
Aphasia
defective language caused by neurologic damage to the brain.
Ascites
bulges in the flanks and across the abdomen, indicating edema caused by congestive heart failure.
Auscultation
listening with a stethoscope for sounds produced by the body.
Babinski’s response
big toe dorsiflexes and the other toes fan out when the sole is stimulated.
Blood pressure
force of blood against arteries’ walls as the heart contracts and relaxes.
Borborgymi
loud, prolonged, gurgling bowel sounds indicating hyperperistalsis.
Bradycardia
pulse rate lower than 60.
Bronchophony
abnormal clarity of the patient’s transmitted voice sounds.
Broselow tape
a measuring tape for infants that provides important information regarding airway equipment and medication doses based on the patient’s length.
Bruit
sound of turbulent blood flow around a partial obstruction.
Cardiac output
the amount of blood the heart ejects each minute, measured in milliliters.
Crackles
light crackling, popping, nonmusical sounds heard usually during inspiration; also called rales.
Crepitus
crunching sounds of unlubricated parts in joints rubbing against each other.
Cullen’s sign
discoloration around the umbilicus (occasionally the flanks) suggestive of intraabdominal hemorrhage.
Diastole
phase of cardiac cycle when ventricles relax.
Diastolic blood pressure
force of blood against arteries when ventricles relax.
Dysarthria
defective speech caused by motor deficits.
Dysphonia
voice changes caused by vocal cord problems.
Edema
presence of an abnormal amount of fluid in the tissues.
Egophony
abnormal change in tone of the patient’s transmitted voice sounds.
Grey Turner’s sign
discoloration over the flanks suggesting intraabdominal bleeding.
Hypertension
blood pressure higher than normal.
Hyperthermia
increase in the body’s core temperature.
Hypotension
blood pressure lower than normal.
Hypothermia
decrease in the body’s core temperature.
Inspection
the process of informed observation.
Korotkoff sounds
sounds of blood hitting arterial walls.
Ophthalmoscope
handheld device used to examine the interior of the eye.
Otoscope
handheld device used to examine the interior of the ears and nose.
Palpation
using one’s sense of touch to gather information.
Percussion
the production of sound waves by striking one object against another.
Perfusion
passage of blood through an organ or tissue.
Pleural friction rub
the squeaking or grating sound of the pleural linings rubbing together.
Preload
amount of blood returned to the heart from the body; also known as end-diastolic pressure.
Priapism
a painful and prolonged erection of the penis.
Pulse pressure
difference between systolic and diastolic pressures.
Pulse quality
strength of the pulse, which can be weak, thready, strong, or bounding.
Pulse rate
number of pulses felt in 1 minute.
Pulse rhythm
pattern and equality of intervals between beats.
Quality of respiration
depth and pattern of breathing.
Respiration
exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs and at the cellular level.
Respiratory effort
how hard the patient works to breathe.
Respiratory rate
number of times the patient breathes in 1 minute.
Rhonchi
continuous sounds with a lower pitch and a snoring quality.
Sphygmomanometer
blood pressure measuring device comprising a bulb, a cuff, and a manometer.
Stethoscope
tool used to auscultate most sounds.
Stridor
predominantly inspiratory wheeze associated with laryngeal obstruction.
Stroke volume
the amount of blood the heart ejects in one beat.
Systole
phase of cardiac cycle when ventricles contract.
Systolic blood pressure
force of blood against arteries when ventricles contract.
Tachycardia
pulse rate higher than 100.
Tachypnea
rapid breathing.
Thrill
vibration or humming felt when palpating the pulse.
Tidal volume
amount of air one breath moves in and out of the lungs.
Visual acuity wall chart/card
wall chart or handheld card with lines of letters, used to test vision.
Vital statistics
weight and height.
Wheezes
continuous, high-pitched musical sounds similar to a whistle.
Whispered pectoriloquy
abnormal clarity of the patient’s transmitted whispers.
Abdomino-
Belly or abdominal wall
Acou-
To hear
Acq-
Water
Acro-
Extreme ends of parts
Aden-
A gland
Adip-
Soft fat of animals
Alb-
White
Alg-
Pain
All-
Other, different
Anc-, ang-, ank-
Bend or hollow
Andr-
Male
Angi-
Blood vessel
Aort-
Large artery exiting from left ventricle
Arter-
Artery
Arth-
Joint
Artic
Joint
Asphyxia
Unconsciousness due to suffocation
Astha-
Short drawn breath, panting
Asthenia
Weakness
Aud-, aur-, aus-
To hear
Bio-
Life
Brachy-
Short
Branchi-
Arm
Bronch-
One of the major divisions of the trachea
Bucc-
Cheek
Burs-
Pouch or sac
Caes-, cis
Cut
Call-
Hard, thick skin
Calx, calca-
Heel
Can-
Malignant tumor
Caput, capitis
Head
Carc-
Cancer
Card-, cardia
Heart
Carotid
Great arteries of the neck
Carpus
Wrist
Caus-, caut-
To burn
Celi-
Hollow or cavity, specifically the abdomen
Cent-
Center, centimeter, centigrade
-centesis
Puncture of a cavity
Ceph-
Head
Cerv-
Neck
Chol-
Bile
Chond-
Cartilage
Chrom-
Color
Cil-
Hairlike process
Cleid-
Collarbone (clavicle)
Cochlea
Part of the inner ear
Coll-
Gelatin, neck
Cond-
Knuckle
Core
Pupil
Cori-
Skin
Corp-
The body
Cry-
Cold
Cubitus
Elbow
-cuss
Shake violently
Cyan-
Blue
Cyc-
Circle
Cyst
Bladder, cyst
Dent-
Tooth
Derm-
Skin
Digit
Finger
Duct
To lead or guide
Edem-
Swelling
Embryo
Fetus
Enter-
Intestines
Eryth-
Red
-esth
Sensation
Eti-
Cause
Facil-
Easy
Febr-
Fever
Flex
To bend
Foramen
Opening
Fract-
To break into pieces
Gangl-
Tumor under the skin, junction of the nerve cells
Gangr-
Gnawing sore
Gast-
Stomach, belly
Gen-, gon-
Become, produce
Gest-
Carry, produce
Glomerulus
Plexus of capillaries
Gnosis
Knowledge
-gram
Something written
-graph
To write
Gyn-
Female
Hem-, em
Blood
Hepat-
Liver
Heter-
Other, different
Homo-
The same
Humerus
Upper arm
Hydr-
Water
Hyster-
The womb
Idi
Personal, one’s own
Idio-
Distinct
Ingui-
Front of body, between hips and groin
Lact-
Milk
Lev-
Left side
Ligament
Band of fibrous tissue connecting two bones
Ling-
Tongue
-lith-
Stone
Mal-
Bad
Meatus
External opening
Med-
Middle
Mega-
Large
Melan-, melen-
Black
Men-, mena-
Monthly
Menin-
Membrane covering brain and spinal cord
Morb-
Disease
Myel-
Marrow or spinal cord
Myo-
Muscle
Nephr-
Kidney
Noct-
Night
Nomen-, nomin-
Name
Oa-, oss-, ost-
Bone
Ocul-
Eye
Odon-
Tooth
Oo-, ov-
Egg
Opthalm-
Eye
Orch-
Testis
Ot-
Ear
Palpate
To touch
Pari-, part-
To bear
Pariet-
Wall
Path-
Disease
Pea-, ped-
Foot
Ped-
Child
Percuss
To strike
Phag
To eat
Photo-
Light
Placenta
Organ supplying nutrients to the fetus during gestation
Pleur-
Membrane surrounding lung and lining the thoracic cavity
Pneum-
Breathing
Pod-
Foot
Pseud-
False
Psych-
Mind
Ptosis
Falling down
Pty-
Spit out
Pur-, pus-, py-
Pus
Pyel-
Pelvis (including pelvis of kidney)
Pyr-
Fever
Quad-, quar-, quat-
Four
Radius
Rod
Ren-
Kidney
Reticulum
Network
Retina
Inner nerve-containing layer of the eye
Rhin-
Nose
Rub-
Red
Salpinx
Tube
Sang-
Blood
Scler-
Hard
Sebum
Hard fat of animals
Sect-, seg-
To cut
Sepsis
Containing growing bacteria
Sept-
Wall
Serum
Fluid formed when blood clots
Sinus
Cavity or hollow
Somat-
Body
Sphincter
Muscle that closes when it contracts
Spir-
Coil
Stasis
Standing
Stature
Height
Status
Condition
Stern-
Chest
Stoma
Opening or mouth
Sulc-
Groove on surface of brain
Tachy-
Rapid
Tact-
To touch
Talus
Heel
Tarsus
Bones of the forefoot
Tel-
Distance
Temp-
Time, or temple of the head
Tendon
Fibrous tissue connecting muscle to bone
Tetr-
Four
Tom-
To cut
Toxic
Poisonous
Trachea
Windpipe
Trich-
Hair
Ur-, urin-
Urine
Vagina
Female genital canal
Varic-
Dilated vein
Vertebra
Bone supporting the spinal column
Vertex
Top of the skull
Vertigo
Dizziness
Viscera
Internal organs
Viscous
Sticky
Xen
Foreign
Xer-
Dry
Administration tubing
flexible, clear plastic tubing that connects the solution bag to the IV cannula.
Air embolism
air in the vein.
Ampule
breakable glass vessel containing liquid medication.
Anticoagulant
medication that inhibits blood clotting.
ABO blood groups
four blood groups formed by the presence or absence of two antigens known as A and B. A person may have either (type A or type B), both (type AB), or neither (type O). An immune response will be activated whenever a person receives blood containing A or B antigen if this antigen is not already present in his own blood.
Acid base reactions
any chemical reaction that results in the transfer of protons.
Acquired immunity
protection from infection or disease that is (1) developed by the body after exposure to an antigen (active acquired immunity) or (2) transferred to the person from an outside source such as from the mother through the placenta or as a serum (passive acquired immunity).
Acute
of sudden onset, as an acute disease.
Adipocytes
fat cells.
Adipose tissue
fat.
Anaphylaxis
a life-threatening allergic reaction; also called anaphylactic shock.
AIDS
a group of signs, symptoms, and disorders that often develop as a consequence of HIV infection. (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)
Albumin
a protein commonly present in plant and animal tissues. In the blood, albumin works to maintain blood volume and blood pressure and provides colloid osmotic pressure, which prevents plasma loss from the capillaries.
Allergy
exaggerated immune response to an environmental antigen.
Amylopectin
a highly branched polymer of glucose; one of two types of starch, the other being amylose.
Amylose
a linear, unbranched polymer of glucose; one of two types of starch, the other being amylopectin.
Anencephaly
a birth defect in which a baby is born without parts of the brain and skull.
Antibiotic
agent that kills or decreases the growth of bacteria.
Antibody
a substance produced by B lymphocytes in response to the presence of a foreign antigen that will combine with and control or destroy the antigen, thus preventing infection.
Antigen
a marker on the surface of a cell that identifies it as “self” or “non-self.”
Antigen-antibody complexes
the substance formed when an antibody combines with an antigen to deactivate or destroy it; also called immune complex.
Antigen presenting cells
cells, such as macrophages, that present (express onto their surfaces) portions of the antigens they have digested.
Antigen processing
the recognition, ingestion, and breakdown of a foreign antigen, culminating in production of an antibody to the antigen or in a direct cytotoxic response to the antigen.
Apoptosis
response in which an injured cell releases enzymes that engulf and destroy itself; one way the body rids itself of damaged and dead cells.
Atrophy
a decrease in cell size resulting from a decreased workload.
Autoimmune disease
failure of the immune system to recognize certain tissues normally present in the body resulting in an attack against those tissues by the immune system; autoimmune disease includes rheumatic heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
Autoimmunity
an immune response to self-antigens, which the body normally tolerates.
B lymphocytes
the type of white blood cells that, in response to the presence of an antigen, produce antibodies thatattack the antigen, develop a memory for the antigen, and confer long-term immunity to the antigen.
Bacteria
(singular bacterium) single-cell organisms with a cell membrane and cytoplasm but no organized nucleus. They bind to the cells of a host organism to obtain food and support.
Basement membrane
a thin sheet of fibers that underlies the epithelia, the membranes that line or cover internal and external body surfaces.
Basophils
granular white blood cells that, similarly to mast cells, release histamine and other chemicals that control constriction and dilation of blood vessels during inflammation.
Benign
not cancerous; not able to spread to other tissues. See also malignant.
Carcinogenesis
a process of developing a cancer.
Carcinoma-in-situ
an early form of cancer in which tumor cells have not yet invaded surrounding tissues.
Cardiac contractile force
the strength of a contraction of the heart.
Cardiogenic shock
shock caused by insufficient cardiac output; the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to perfuse all parts of the body.
Cartilage
a type of connective tissue that provides structure and support to other tissues.
Cascade
a series of actions triggered by a first action and culminating in a final action—typical of the actions caused by plasma proteins involved in the complement, coagulation, and kinin systems.
Catecholamines
epinephrine and norepinephrine, hormones that strongly affect the nervous and cardiovascular systems, metabolic rate, temperature, and smooth muscle.
Cell mediated immunity
the short-term immunity to an antigen provided by T lymphocytes, which directly attack the antigen but do not produce antibodies or memory for the antigen.
Cellular adaption
physiologic or structural changes to a cell in response to change or stress or a pathological condition.
Cellular respiration
metabolic processes with a cell that convert nutrients to energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and that subsequently release waste products from the cell.
Chemotactic factors
chemicals that attract white cells to the site of inflammation, a process called chemotaxis.
Chromatin
a combination of DNA and other proteins in the nucleus of a cell that condenses to form chromosomes.
Chromosomes
threadlike structures within the nuclei of cells that carry genetic information.
Chronic
slow in onset, persisting over a long period of time, as in a chronic disease.
Cisternae
saclike structures within body cells that form part of the structure of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and of the Golgi apparatus and act as carrier vessels that transport proteins from the RER to the Golgi apparatus for further processing.
Citric acid cycle
a key phase of glucose metabolism, requiring the presence of oxygen, in which pyruvic acid (a product of the breakdown of glucose) is oxidized, resulting in the release of energy in the form of ATP and carbon dioxide as waste. Also called Krebs cycle or the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle.
Clinical presentation
the manifestation of a disease; the signs and symptoms of a disease.
Clonal diversity
the development of receptors, by B lymphocyte precursors in the bone marrow, for every possible type of antigen.
Chemoreceptors
sensory receptors that detect and act on chemical signals—for example, sensing a change in carbon dioxide levels in the blood and responding by causing an increase in respiratory rate to expel the excess carbon dioxide from the body.
Clonal selection
the process by which a specific antigen reacts with the appropriate receptors on the surface of immatureB lymphocytes, thereby activating them and prompting them to proliferate, differentiate, and produce antibodies to the activating antigen.
Coagulation system
a plasma protein system that results in formation of a protein called fibrin. Fibrin forms a network that walls off an infection and forms a clot that stops bleeding and serves as a foundation for repair and healing of a wound. Also called the clotting system.
Coenzymes
nonprotein substances that bind to enzyme proteins to assist them in biochemical transformations. Also called cofactors.
Collagen
proteins that are the main component of connective tissue.
Colloid
intravenous solutions containing large proteins that cannot pass through capillary membranes.
Compensated shock
early stage of shock during which the body’s compensatory mechanisms are able to maintain normal perfusion.
Complement system
a group of plasma proteins (the complement proteins) that are dormant in the blood until activated, as by antigen-antibody complex formation, by products released by bacteria, or by components of other plasma protein systems. When activated, the complement system is involved in most of the events of inflammatory response.
Complications
abnormalities or conditions that result from another, original disease or problem. Also called sequelae.
Congenital metabolic diseases
diseases affecting the metabolism that are present from birth.
Connective tissue
the most abundant body tissue; it provides support, connection, and insulation. Examples: bone, cartilage, fat, blood.
Contraction
inward movement of wound edges during healing that eventually brings the wound edges together.
Cortisol
a steroid hormone released by the adrenal cortex that regulates the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, sodium, potassium, and proteins and also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Cristae
folds within mitochondria that form shelves within the mitochondria.
Crystalloids
intravenous solution that contains electrolytes but lacks the larger proteins associated with a colloid.
Cytokines
proteins, produced by white blood cells, that regulate immune responses by binding with and affecting the function of the cells that produced them or of other, nearby cells.
Cytotoxic
toxic, or poisonous, to cells.
Debridement
the cleaning up or removal of debris, dead cells, and scabs from a wound, principally through phagocytosis.
Decompensated shock
advanced stages of shock when the body’s compensatory mechanisms are no longer able to maintain normal perfusion; also called progressive shock.
Degranulation
the emptying of granules from the interior of a mast cell into the extracellular environment.
Dehydration
excessive loss of body fluid.
Delayed hypersensitivity reaction
a hypersensitivity reaction that takes place after the elapse of some time following reexposure to an antigen. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions are usually less severe than immediate reactions.
Denaturation
loss of a protein’s three-dimensional shape caused by factors such as heat, chemicals, or pH; the change in the appearance and structure of an egg white when it is cooked is an example of denaturation.
Diagnosis
the process of identifying and assigning a name to a disease in an individual patient or a group of patients with similar signs and symptoms.
Diapedesis
movement of white cells out of blood vessels through gaps in the vessel walls that are created when inflammatory processes cause the vessel walls to constrict.
Disease
an abnormal structural or functional change within the body.
Dynamic steady state
homeostasis; the tendency of the body to maintain a net constant composition although the components of the body’s internal environment are always changing.
Dysplasia
a change in cell size, shape, or appearance caused by an external stressor.
Dysplastic
having an abnormal appearance, as with a cell seen under a microscope.
Ectoderm
the outermost of three germ layers, primitive cell types that develop in the embryo and that will differentiate into the various tissues and organs of the body. See alsoendoderm; germ layers; mesoderm.
Electron transport chain
carriers embedded on the cristae in the inner membrane of the mitochondria of cells that transfer electrons from one molecule to another, releasing energy in the process.
Endocrine secretions
secreted substances that are released into the bloodstream or surrounding tissues without the aid of ducts.
Endocytosis
process by which substances can enter a cell when a section of the cell’s plasma membrane encircles the substance, then pinches off into a vesicle that is released into the cell. See also exocytosis.
Endoderm
the innermost of three germ layers, primitive cell types that develop in the embryo and that will differentiate into the various tissues and organs of the body. See alsoectoderm; germ layers; mesoderm.
Endotoxins
molecules in the walls of certain Gram-negative bacteria that are released when the bacterium dies or is destroyed, causing toxic (poisonous) effects on the host body.
Eosinophils
granular white blood cells that attack parasites and also help to control and limit the inflammatory response.
Epithelial tissue
the protective tissue that lines internal and external body tissues. Examples: skin, mucous membranes, the lining of the intestinal tract.
Epithelialization
growth of epithelial cells under a scab, separating it from the wound and providing a protective covering for the healing wound.
Erythrocytes
red blood cells, which contain hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to the cells.
Etiology
the study of disease causes; the occurrences, reasons, and variables of a disease.
Eukaryotic cells
cells that contain a nucleus and organelles. The cells of most multicellular organisms, including humans, are eukaryotes. See also prokaryotic cells.
Exocrine secretions
secreted substances that are deposited on the surface of the skin or other epithelial surface through ducts.
Exocytosis
process by which substances can exit after being encircled by a membrane vesicle. See also endocytosis.
Exotoxins
toxic (poisonous) substances secreted by bacterial cells during their growth.
Exudate
substances that penetrate vessel walls to move into the surrounding tissues.
Fermentation
the breakdown of glucose without oxygen.
Fibroblasts
the most abundant cells in connective tissue; cells that secrete collagen proteins that maintain a structural framework for many tissues and play an important role in wound healing.
Fick principle
principle stating that the overall movement and utilization of oxygen in the body is dependent on five conditions: adequate concentration of inspired oxygen; appropriate movement of oxygen across the alveolar/capillary membrane into the arterial bloodstream; adequate number of red blood cells to carry the oxygen; proper tissue perfusion; and efficient off-loading of oxygen at the tissue level.
Free radicals
atoms or molecules with an unpaired electron in the outer shell. Most free radicals are highly reactive and cause cell damage, especially oxidative damage.
Free water
water that is free of solute.
General adaption syndrome
a sequence of stress response stages: stage I, alarm; stage II, resistance or adaptation; stage III, exhaustion.
Germ layers
the three primitive cell types (endoderm, ectoderm, mesoderm) that develop in the embryo and that will differentiate into the various tissues and organs of the body. See also ectoderm; endoderm; mesoderm.
Glycogenolysis
a process controlled by the hormones glucagon and epinephrine in which stores of glycogen are broken down into glucose to meet a bodily need for glucose. See also glycogen.
Glycolysis
a series of reactions by which a molecule of glucose is converted into two molecules of pyruvic acid, a process that begins the conversion of glucose into energy and that also produces free hydrogen ions that determine the body’s pH.
Granulation
filling of a wound by the inward growth of healthy tissues from the wound edges.
Granulocytes
white cells with multiple nuclei that have the appearance of a bag of granules; also called polymorphonuclear cells. Types of granulocytes are neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
Granuloma
a tumor or growth that forms when foreign bodies that cannot be destroyed by macrophages are surrounded and walled off.
Half life
a unit of rate of decay of radioactive isotopes; the time it takes for the decaying parent isotope to decrease by half.
Haptens
molecules that do not trigger an immune response on their own but can become immunogenic when combined with larger molecules.
Hematocrit
the percentage of the blood occupied by erythrocytes.
Hemoglobin
an iron-based pigment present in redblood cells that binds with oxygen and transports itto the cells.
Histamine
a substance released during the degranulation of mast cells and also released by basophils that, through constriction and dilation of blood vessels, increases blood flow to the injury site and also increases the permeability of vessel walls.
Histopathology
the study of diseased or abnormal tissues.
HIV
a virus that breaks down the immune defenses, making the body vulnerable to a variety of infections and disorders. (Human immunodeficiency virus)
HLA antigens
antigens the body recognizes as self or non-self; present on all body cells except the red blood cells.
Humoral immunity
the long-term immunity to an antigen provided by antibodies produced by B lymphocytes.
Hypercapnia
an elevated level of plasma CO2.
Hyperplasia
an increase in the number of cells resulting from an increased workload.
Hypersensitivity
an exaggerated and harmful immuneresponse; an umbrella term for allergy, autoimmunity, and isoimmunity.
Hypertrophy
an increase in cell size resulting from an increased workload.
Hyperventilation
rapid or deep breathing in excess of the body’s needs.
Hyperventilation syndrome
excessive CO2 elimination resulting in respiratory alkalosis, caused by hyperventilation.
Hypocapnia
a reduced level of plasma CO2.
Hypoperfusion
inadequate perfusion of the body tissues, resulting in an inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body tissues. Also called shock.
Hypoventilation
reduced rate or depth of breathing that does not meet the body’s needs.
Hypovolemic shock
shock caused by a loss of intravascular fluid volume.
Hypoxemia
decreased partial pressure of oxygen in the blood.
Hypoxia
a general oxygen deficiency or oxygen deficiency to a particular tissue or organ.
Iatrogenic disease
a disease that results from a medical treatment given for another disease or condition.
Idiopathic
of unknown cause, in reference to a disease.
Immediate hypersensitivity reaction
a swiftly occurring secondary hypersensitivity reaction (one that occurs after reexposure to an antigen). Immediate hypersensitivity reactions are usually more severe than delayed reactions. The swiftest and most severe such reaction is anaphylaxis.
Immune response
the body’s reactions that inactivate or eliminate foreign antigens.
Immunity
exemption from legal liability; a long-term condition of protection from infection or disease; the body’s ability to respond to the presence of a pathogen.
Immunogens
antigens that are able to trigger an immune response.
Immunoglobulins
antibodies; proteins, produced in response to foreign antigens, that destroy or control the antigens.
Inflammation
the body’s response to cellular injury; also called the inflammatory response. In contrast to the immune response, inflammation develops swiftly, is nonspecific (attacks all unwanted substances in the same way), and is temporary, leading to healing.
Insidious
existing without symptoms or with mild symptoms, as a disease that does not seem as serious as it is or as it may become.
Interstitial fluid
the fluid in body tissues that is outside the cells and outside the vascular system.
Irreversible shock
shock that has progressed so far that no medical intervention can reverse the condition and death is inevitable.
Ischemia
a blockage in the delivery of oxygenated blood to the cells.
Isoimmunity
an immune response to antigens from another member of the same species—for example, Rh reactions between a mother and infant or transplant rejections; also called alloimmunity.
Kinin system
a plasma protein system that produces bradykinin, a substance that works with prostaglandins to cause pain. It also has actions similar to those of histamine (vasodilation and bronchospasm, increased permeability of the blood vessels, and chemotaxis) but acts more slowly than histamine, thus being more important during later stages of inflammation.
Leukocytes
white blood cells, which play a key role in the immune system and inflammatory (infection-fighting) responses.
Leukotrienes
also called slow-reacting substances of anaphylaxis (SRS-A); substances synthesized by mast cells during the inflammatory response that cause vasodilation, vascular permeability, and chemotaxis.
Lymphocytes
a type of leukocyte, or white blood cell, that attacks foreign substances as part of the body’s immune response.
Lymphokine
a cytokine released by a lymphocyte.
Major histocompatability complex
a group of genes on chromosome 6 that provide the genetic code for HLA antigens.
Malignant
cancerous; able to spread to other tissues. See also benign.
Margination
adherence of white cells to vessel walls in the early stages of inflammation.
Mast cells
large cells, resembling bags of granules, that reside near blood vessels. When stimulated by injury, chemicals, or allergic responses, they activate the inflammatory response by degranulation (emptying their granules into the extracellular environment) and synthesis (construction of leukotrienes and prostaglandins).
Maturation
continuing processes of wound reconstruction that may occur over a period of years after initial healing, as scar tissue is remodeled and strengthened.
Memory cells
cells produced by mature B lymphocytes that “remember” the activating antigen and will trigger a stronger and swifter immune response if reexposure to the antigen occurs.
Mesoderm
the middle of three germ layers, primitive cell types that develop in the embryo and that will differentiate into the various tissues and organs of the body. See alsoectoderm; endoderm; germ layers.
Metabolic acid-base disorders
metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis; disorders that result from changes in the production of acid or changes in bicarbonate levels within the body.
Metabolic acidosis
acidity caused by an increase in acid, often because of increased production of acids during metabolism or from causes such as vomiting, diarrhea, diabetes, or medication.
Metabolic alkalosis
alkalinity caused by an increase in plasma bicarbonate resulting from causes including diuresis, vomiting, or ingestion of too much sodium bicarbonate.
Metallic elements
elements that tend to lose electrons. See also nonmetallic elements.
Metaplasia
replacement of one type of cell by another type of cell that is not normal for that tissue.
Metastasis
movement of cancer cells to other areas of the body from the original site.
Milliequivalents
a unit of measure applied to electrolytes, used as a unit of measure for amounts of very small magnitude.
Minute volume
the amount of air (gas) inhaled and exhaled in one minute.
Monoclonal antibody
an antibody that is very pure and specific to a single antigen.
Monocytes
white cells with a single nucleus; the largest normal blood cells. During inflammation, monocytes mature and grow to several times their original size, becoming macrophages.
Monokine
a cytokine released by a macrophage.
Monomer
an atom or a small molecule that may bind chemically to other monomers to form a polymer. See also polymer.
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
progressive impairment of two or more organ systems resulting from an uncontrolled inflammatory response to a severe illness or injury.
Muscle tissue
tissue that is capable of contraction when stimulated. There are three types of muscle tissue: cardiac (myocardium, or heart muscle), smooth (within intestines, surrounding blood vessels), and skeletal, or striated (allows skeletal movement). Skeletal muscle is mostly under voluntary, or conscious, control; smooth muscle is under involuntary, or unconscious, control; cardiac muscle is capable of spontaneous, or self-excited, contraction.
Natriuretic peptide
peptide hormones synthesized by the heart, brain, and other organs with effects that include excretion of large amounts of sodium in the urine and dilation of the blood vessels.
Natural immunity
inborn protection against infection or disease that is part of the person’s or species— genetic makeup.
Neoplasia
abnormal or uncontrolled cell growth. See also neoplasm.
Neoplasm
a tumor that results from neoplasia. See also neoplasia.
Nerve tissue
tissue that transmits electrical impulses throughout the body.
Neurogenic shock
shock resulting from brain or spinal cord injury that causes an interruption of nerve impulses to the arteries with loss of arterial tone, dilation, and relative hypovolemia.
Neuroglia
glial cells that support, insulate, and protect neurons.
Neuron
nerve cell; cell that transmits electrical impulses.
Neutrophil
a type of white blood cell; a phagocyte that has the ability to ingest other cells and substances.
Primary immune response
the initial development of antibodies in response to the first exposure to an antigen in which the immune system becomes “primed” to produce a faster, stronger response to any future exposures.
Primary intention
simple healing of a minor wound without granulation or pus formation.
Prognosis
the expected outcome of a disease or injury.
Psychoneuroimmunological reaction
the interactions of psychological, neurologic/endocrine, and immunologic factors that contribute to alteration of the immune system as an outcome of a stress response that is not quickly resolved.
Respiratory acid-base disorders
respiratory acidosis and respiratory alkalosis; disorders that result from an inequality between carbon dioxide generation in the peripheral tissues and carbon dioxide elimination by the respiratory system.
Septic shock
shock that develops as the result of infection carried by the bloodstream, eventually causing dysfunction of multiple organ systems.
Virus
an organism much smaller than a bacterium, visible only under an electron microscope. Viruses invade and live inside the cells of the organisms they infect.
