Terms And Definitions Flashcards
Acromial process
The outermost point of the spine of the shoulder blade.
Anthropometric measurements
Set of techniques for determine an individual’s body fat composition by measuring and recording dimension’s of the body such as height and weight.
Aorta
The main trunk of the systems arteries.
Antecubital fossa
The triangular cavity on the anterior section of the arm opposite the elbow.
Aseptic
Free from pathogenic micro-organisms
Autoclave
An instrument that sterilizes equipment and supplies by high pressure saturated steam.
Axillary
The area on the human body under the joint that connects the arm to the shoulder.
Brachial artery
The major artery of the upper arm.
Bradycardia
A slow heart rate.
Biohazard bag
A container designed to collect any biological waste or product that has been contaminated with biological waste.
Bronchodilators
A substance that dilates the bronchi in the lungs decreasing resistance in the respiratory airways.
Celsius
A scale for measuring temperature named for Anders Celsius.
Cerumen
A yellow waxy substance secreted by the ear canal.
Cidex
A disinfectant and sterilization product of alkaline glutaraldehyde.
Conjunctiva
A clear mucous membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball.
Cyanotic
Appearance of blue or purple skin.
Diastolic/diastole
The period of time when the heart fills with blood after contraction.
Deltoid
The muscle forming the rounded contour of the shoulder, shaped almost like a letter D.
EKG
Electrocardiography, a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
Fahrenheit
The temperature scale proposed in 1724 by Daniel Gariel Fahrenheit.
Hemorrhoids
External and internal swollen veins in the anal canal.
Holter monitor
A device that measures a patient’s cardiac activity over a period of time.
Hypertension
High blood pressure
Hypertensive crisis
A sever increase in blood pressure which could result in stroke.
Inner canthus
The corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet.
Intradermal injection
An injection within or between the layers of the skin.
Intramuscular injection
An injection of a substance directly into the muscle.
Nebulizer
A device that administers medication in a mist form.
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Otoscope
A device used to look into the ears.
Palpate
To examine by touch.
Parenteral medication
Any medication that is administered in a route other than ingestion.
Pediatrics
Branch of medicine dealing with the care of infants, children , and adolescents.
Prehypertension
A state of having a high normal blood pressure with the potential for developing high blood pressure.
Pulmonary artery
Artery that carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
Respirations
The vital sign assessment of observing the number of times the chest rises in 1 minute.
Sharps container
A puncture-proof container designed specifically to safely dispose of needles, scalpels, and other sharp disposable medical instruments,
Sim’s position
Patient lies on the left side with the right know sharply bent and resting on the exam table.
Snellen chart
A chart used to determine visual acuity,
Sphygmomanometer
A device for performing blood pressures; includes the blood pressure cuff.
Spirometer
A device that measures the volume of air inhaled and exhaled.
Stethoscope
A device for listening to the internal sounds of the body.
Subcutaneous injection
An injection of solution below the skin, into the subcutaneous tissue.
Supine position
Patient lies on his or her back.
Suture
A stitch used to hold tissue together.
Systolic/systole
The contraction of the heart.
Tachycardia
An abnormally fast heartbeat.
Temporal artery
A major artery of the head, under the skin of the forehead.
Topical
Applied to the surface of the skin.
Transdermal patch
An adhesive patch, placed on the skin to administer a specific dose of medication through the skin and into the bloodstream.
Tympanic membrane
A thin membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear; also known as the ear drum.
Ventricles
The two large chambers that collect blood from the atria and expel blood to the entire body or to the lungs.
Venipuncture
Drawing blood from the vein.
Vital signs
Measurements observed, measured and monitored to check a patient’s level of physical function.
