Terminology - Medical Actions

Question 1

Alterative

Answer 1

a gentle nutritive eliminative agent that alters function gradually toward health

Question 2

Analgesic

Answer 2

diminishes pain

Question 3

Anodyne

Answer 3

relieves pain

Question 4

Anthelmintic

Answer 4

expels/destroys intestinal helminths (worms)

Question 5

Antibiotic

Answer 5

destroys or arrests the growth of bacteria or protozoa

Question 6

Antiemetic

Answer 6

relieves nausea and vomiting

Question 7

Antipyretic

Answer 7

prevents or reduces fever

Question 8

Antiseptic

Answer 8

inhibits the growth of bacteria

Question 9

Antispasmodic

Answer 9

reduces the intensity of spasticity, tremor, or cramps

Question 10

Antitussive

Answer 10

relieves coughing

Question 11

Aperient

Answer 11

gentle stimulant to the bowels – mild laxative

Question 12

Aphrodisiac

Answer 12

stimulates sexual desire or arousal

Question 13

Astringent

Answer 13

contracts tissue, reducing bleeding or fluid exudate

Question 14

Balsam

Answer 14

healing or soothing agent, usually made from a tree resin

Question 15

Bitter

Answer 15

stimulates gastric, pancreatic, and gallbladder juices as well as motility due to its bitter taste

Question 16

Cardiac

Answer 16

exerts an effect on the heart

Question 17

Carminative

Answer 17

soothes digestive upset and helps to expel gas

Question 18

Cathartic

Answer 18

very strong laxative

Question 19

Cholagogue

Answer 19

increases the flow of bile into the intestines

Question 20

Choleretic

Answer 20

increases the production of bile

Question 21

Corrigent

Answer 21

a substance added to modify a medicinal preparation, usually by adding flavor

Question 22

Demulcent

Answer 22

a mucilaginous substance that soothes tissue, particularly mucous membranes

Question 23

Depurative

Answer 23

cleanses and purifies the system, particularly the blood

Question 24

Diaphoretic

Answer 24

promotes perspiration

Question 25

Diuretic

Answer 25

increases the output of urine

Question 26

Emetic

Answer 26

induces vomiting

Question 27

Emmenagogue

Answer 27

promotes menstrual flow

Question 28

Emollient

Answer 28

moisturizes the skin

Question 29

Expectorant

Answer 29

promotes discharge of mucous from the lungs

Question 30

Galactagogue

Answer 30

activity of the production of milk by the mammary glands

Question 31

Hemostatic

Answer 31

stops bleeding

Question 32

Hypnotic

Answer 32

promotes sleep

Question 33

Hepatic

Answer 33

affects the liver

Question 34

Laxative

Answer 34

promotes defecation

Question 35

Narcotic

Answer 35

relieves pain and induces sleep (generally has higher toxicity) [today this is specific to opioids]

Question 36

Nervine

Answer 36

calming or soothing to the nerves

Question 37

Purgative

Answer 37

strong laxative

Question 38

Restorative

Answer 38

restores normal physiological activity

Question 39

Rubefacient

Answer 39

local irritant that increases circulation and, thus, erythema

Question 40

Sedative

Answer 40

calming to the nerves with reduced alertness

Question 41

Stimulant

Answer 41

enhances a physiologic process

Question 42

Stomachic

Answer 42

has an effect on the function of the stomach

Question 43

Styptic

Answer 43

astringent that stops bleeding

Question 44

Tonic

Answer 44

strengthens an organ, organ system or the whole organism

Question 45

Vermicide

Answer 45

destroys helminths

Question 46

Vermifuge

Answer 46

stimulates the expulsion of helminths

Question 47

Vulnerary

Answer 47

heals wounds