Test Med Flashcards
Be ready for interview
1
Q
myocardial
A
muscle layer of heart inflamed
2
Q
pericarditis
A
outer layer of heart inflamed
3
Q
endocarditis
A
inner layer of heart inflamed
4
Q
cardiomyopathy
A
damage to heart muscle layer
5
Q
cardiomegaly
A
enlargement of the heart
6
Q
-itis
A
= inflammation
+tonsillitis, appendicitis (you know these!)
7
Q
-osis
A
= abnormal condition
+ cyanosis (of blueness, due to col or low oxygen)
8
Q
-ectomy
A
= to cut out (remove)
+ appendectomy, tonsillectomy (you know these too!)
9
Q
-otomy
A
= to cut into
+ tracheotomy (to cut into the windpipe, temporary opening)
10
Q
-ostomy
A
= to make a “mouth”
+ colostomy (to make a permanent opening in colon)
11
Q
a/an
A
= without, none
+ anemia (literally no blood but means few red cells)
12
Q
micro
A
= small
+ microstomia (abnormally small mouth, see “stomy” in colostomy)
13
Q
macro
A
= large
+ macrostomia (abnormally large mouth)
14
Q
mega/ -megaly
A
= enlarged
+ megacolon (abnormally large colon = large intestine)
15
Q
-scopy/ -scopic
A
= to look, observe
+ colonoscopy (look into colon)
16
Q
-graphy/ -graph
A
=recording an image
+ mammography (imaging the breasts)
17
Q
-gram
A
= the image (x-ray)
+ mammogram
18
Q
-ology/ -ologist
A
= study, specialize in
+ cardiologist, nephrologist (study the hear, the kidneys)
19
Q
stomato
A
= mouth
+ stomatitis
20
Q
dento
A
= teeth
+ dentist
21
Q
glosso/linguo
A
= tongue
+ glossitis, lingual nerve
22
Q
gingivo
A
= gums
+ gingivitis
23
Q
Encephalo
A
= brain
+ encephalitis
24
Q
gastro
A
= stomach
+ gastritis
25
entero
= intestine
+ gastroenteritis
26
colo
= large intestine
+ colitis, megacolon
27
procto
= anus/rectum
+ proctitis, proctologist
28
hepato
= liver
+ hepatitis, hepatomegaly
29
nephro/rene
= kidney
+ nephrosis, renal artery
30
Dermo
= skin
+dermatitis
31
Masto/mammo
= breast
+ mammography, Mastectomy
32
osteo
=bones
+ osteoporosis
33
Cardio
= heart
+ electrocardiogram (ECG)
34
Cysto
= bladder
+ cystitis
35
Rhino
= nose
+ rhinitis (runny nose)
36
phlebo/veno
= veins
+ phlebitis, phlebotomy
37
pnemumo / pulmo
= lung
+ hematologist, anemia
38
hemo / emia
= blood
+ hematologist, anemia
39
leuk/o
= white
+ leukemia (overabundance of white blood cells)
40
melan/o
= black
+ melanoma (black tumor of the skin)
41
cyan/o
= blue
+ cyanosis (blueness may be due to cold or not enough oxygen in blood)
42
xanth/o
= yellow
+ xanthoma (yellow tumor)
43
Aden/o
= gland
+ adenoma
44
Lip/o
= fat
+ lipoma
45
My/o
= muscle
+ myoma
46
Lymph/o
= lymph tissue
+ lymphoma
47
Carcin/o
= malignant
+ carcinoma
48
Osteo/o
= bone
+ osteoma
49
Endo
= within, inside of
+ endoscopy (to inspect the inside of an organ or space with a lighted instrument)
50
Peri
= around
+ perianal (around the anus)
51
Circum
= around
+ circumcise (cut aorund)
52
Retro
= behind
+ retrosternal (behind the breastbone)
53
Epi
= upon, on top
+ epidermis (the top or outermost layer of skin)
54
Trans
= through
+ transurethral (through the urinary exit duct)
55
Intra
= Within
+ intravenous (inside the veins, e.g. IV fluids)
56
Sub
= below
+ subclavian (below the clavicle = collar bone)
57
Cardi/o
= heart
+ endocarditis, myocarditis, pericarditis (inflammation of the lining, the muscle layer, the outer layer of the heart)
58
brady / tachy
= slow/fast
+ bradycardia (rate < 60)
Tachycardia (rate > 100)
59
Angi/o
= vessel
+ Angiography, Angiogram (X-ray of artery)
60
Veno / phlebo
= vein
+ venogram (X-ray of veins)
+ Phlebitis (inflammation of veins)
61
-stasis
= to stop
+ Hemostasis (to stop bleeding)
+ Hemostat (a clamp-like instrument)
62
-cyte
= cell
+ erythrocytes, leukocytes (red, white blood cells)
63
hem/o, -emia
= blood
+ Hypoxemia (low oxygen)
+ hematosalpinx (blood in the uterine tubes)
64
Atherosclerosis
"Hardening of the fatty stuff"
High fat diets can lead to formation of fatty plaques lining blood vessels. These fatty areas can become calcified and hard leading to arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries. When blood vessels become less stretchable, blood pressure rises and can result in heart and kidney damage and strokes. Double cheese bacon burger, anybody?
65
Myocardial infraction (MI)
You know we are talking about heart muscle, right, myocardial? An infarction is blockage of blood flow resulting in death of muscle tissue. Layman’s language for this is a “heart attack.” The blockage occurs in one of the arteries of the heart muscle itself, a coronary artery. Depending upon how much tissue dies, a victim of an MI may survive and undergo cardiac rehabilitation, strengthening the remaining heart muscle, or may die if too much muscle tissue is destroyed. Did you exercise at the gym this week?
66
Mitral prolapse, stenosis, regurgitation
Blood flows through four chambers in the heart separated by one-way valves. A major valve is the one separating the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart. The left side is especially important because freshly oxygenated blood returning from the lungs is circulated out of the heart to the rest of the body. The left valve, called atrioventricular, for the chambers it separates, is also called the mitral valve, because it is shaped like an upside down Bishop’s hat, a miter. If the flaps of this valve tear away due to disease, the process is called prolapse, “a falling forward.” This results in leakage and backward flow called “regurgitation” (get the picture?). Sometimes a valve is abnormally narrow causing partial obstruction constricting flow. Stenosis means “a narrowing.”
67
Angina pectoris
Literally, “pain in the chest.” But, this is a special kind of pain associated with the heart and is distinctive as “crushing, vise-like”, and often accompanied by shortness of breath, fatigue and nausea. Anginal pain indicates not enough blood is getting to the heart muscle, and the heart is protesting and begging for more. People with a history of angina often take nitroglycerine tablets to relieve the pain by increasing blood flow to the heart muscle.
68
Arrhythmia/dysrhythmia
Abnormal heart rates and rhythms all have special names like ventricular tachycardia, fibrillation, but generically are termed arrhythmias or dysrhythmia, meaning “no rhythm” and “abnormal rhythm.” There are fine distinctions between the two, but they are often used interchangeably.
69
Ischemia
Sometimes the heart muscle is not getting enough blood flow, more importantly, the oxygen the blood carries is insufficient to sustain muscle which has a very high metabolic rate, and oxygen demand. The term loosely means “not quite enough blood.” Typically, the patient suffers angina pain (see above) and they may think they are having a heart attack. And, they may be!
70
Hematologist
a physician specializing in diseases of the blood.
71
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
a printout recording of the electrical activity of the heart. A frequently used instrument in the hands of a cardiologist.
72
Echocardiography
using ultra high frequency sound waves (beyond human hearing), similar to “sonar,” to form an image of the inside of the heart. This procedure can demonstrate valve damage, congenital (before birth) defects and other abnormalities.
73
Cardiac catheterization
a long hollow tube, a catheter, can be threaded into an artery up into the heart. Then material opaque to X-rays can be released into the blood flow through the heart imaging the details of coronary arteries. Typically used to identify a blockage and location in the coronary circulation.
74
Phlebotomist/venipuncturist
the specially trained nurse or technician draws blood for lab tests and may also start IV’s (intravenous fluids). The Greek and Latin versions of “cutting into a vein.”
75
Cephal/o
= Head
+ Cephalgia (a headache)
76
Encephal/o
= inside the head (brain)
+ Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
+ Anencephalic (born without a brain)
77
Mening/o
= Membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
+ Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes)
78
Myel/o
= Spinal cord
+ Myelogram (X-ray of the spinal cord)
79
Neur/o
= Nerve
+ Neuroma (tumor)
+ Neuritis (inflammation)
80
Dys
= Difficult, painful, abnormal
+ Dyslexia (difficulty reading)
81
-cele
= Hernia, abnormal protrusion of structure out of normal anatomical position
+ Meningomyelocele (protrusion of membranes and spinal cord)
82
-pathy
= Disease, abnormality
+ Encephalopathy (disease of the brain)
+ Neuropathy (disease of the nerves)
83
-plasia
= Development, formation, growth
+ Aplasia (no development)
+ Hyperplasia (over development)
84
-plegia
= Paralysis
+ Hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body)
+ Quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs)
85
Multiple Sclerosis
Literally, “many hardenings,” MS is a disease of unknown cause that manifests as multiple hard plaques of degeneration of the insulating layer of nerve fibers in the central nervous system. The loss of insulation allows “short circuiting” of nerve impulses. Depending upon where the degeneration occurs, patients may suffer paralysis, sensory disturbances or blindness.
86
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
the fancy name for a “stroke”. A blood vessel in the brain may burst causing internal bleeding. Or, a clot may arise in a brain blood vessel (a thrombus), or arise elsewhere (embolus) and travel to get stuck in a brain vessel which then deprives brain tissue of oxygen. Depending upon the area of the brain involved, the patient may suffer paralysis, loss of speech or loss of vision.
87
(TIA)
Transient Ischemic Attack
“Ischemia” was introduced previously in the circulatory diseases module referring to the heart. It literally means “not quite enough blood”. A short period of insufficient blood supply to the brain can have the same signs and symptoms as a stroke such as weakness in an arm, a partial loss of vision, but the problem lasts less than 24 hours. People who get TIA’s are at increased risk of having a stroke in the future.
88
Epilepsy
a Greek word for “seizure.” Convulsions is another term used. Seizures may have many causes and not all seizures are epilepsy. High fevers in young children may trigger seizures which are short in duration, easily controlled and, typically, have no permanent aftereffects. Epilepsy is a specific condition which may occur at any age, seizures are more intense, longer lasting in duration, and recur with some frequency. The condition may be controlled with medication, or if unresponsive to drugs, may require surgery.
89
Aphasia
loss of speech
90
Neurologist
a physician specializing in diseases of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. He/she may refer a patient to a neurosurgeon. Neurologists do not do surgery.
91
(LP)
Lumbar (spinal) puncture or tap
introducing a needle between the lower bony vertebrae of our spinal column allows a physician to sample the fluid, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Lab tests on the fluid are used for diagnostic purposes such as presence of bacteria in meningitis, special proteins in multiple sclerosis, or blood cells.
92
Brain scan
introducing a radioactive element into the blood can image possible tumors in the brain. The radioactive dose is very low and detectable only with special, very sensitive instruments that are much more sophisticated than the old Geiger counters.
93
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Wow, what a mouthful, but take it apart. Starting at the end of the word: an image (in this case a written recording) of the brain’s electrical activity. EEGs are used to diagnose different types of seizure disorders such as epilepsy, brain tumors, and are used in sleep research to identify stages of sleep.
94
Computed tomography (CT)
a specialized X-ray machine that takes multiple images of a body area from different angles and has a computer that integrates the multiple images into “slices” of the body. The resolution is much better than standard X-rays and there is better differentiation of types of tissue (bone, air, solid organ).
95
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Although the image produces the “slices” through the body seen by CT (see above), no X-rays are involved. The patient’s body is placed in a strong magnetic field. Radio pulses affect the resonance or “spin” of atoms in the tissues. A computer analyzes this information to show subtle differences in tissue molecular structure producing very high resolution and better differentiation of soft tissue, such as a tumor within the liver.
96
Gastr/o
= Stomach
+ Gastritis, Gastrectomy
97
Hepat/o
= Liver
+ Hepatitis (inflammation of)
+ Hepatoma (tumor of)
98
Chol/e
= Gall, bile
+ Cholecystitis, cholecystectomy (inflammation of, removal of gallbladder)
99
Cyst/o
= Bladder, sac
100
Emes/o
= Vomit
+ Emesis (vomiting),
+ emetic (stimulating vomiting),
+ antiemetic (stopping vomiting)
101
Lith/o
= Stone
+ Cholelithotomy (removal of gall stones)
102
Lapar/o
= Abdominal wall
+ Laparotomy (cutting into the abdomen)
103
-centesis
=To puncture
+ Abdominocentesis (puncturing and draining)
104
-tripsy
= To crush
+ Cholelithotripsy (smashing gall stones with sound waves)
105
-rrhea
= Flow, discharge
+ Diarrhea
106
-iasis
(-osis)
= Abnormal condition
+ Cholelithiasis (presence of gall stones causing symptoms)
107
(GERD)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Severe “heartburn” in laymen’s language. Weakness of the valve between the esophagus and stomach may allow stomach acid to reflux (regurgitate, backup) into the esophagus and irritate and inflame the lining. This results in chest pain which can mimic that of angina (pain of cardiac ischemia or an MI).
108
Jaundice
Literally means “yellow” in French. Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes from a backup of bile metabolic by-products from the blood into body tissues. May result from blockage of the ducts draining bile from the liver into the intestines or excessive breakdown of red blood cells. Hemoglobin from destroyed RBCs is broken down, and in part, ends up in bile secretions.
109
Diverticulosis/diverticulitis
Small pouches may form along the walls of the large intestine called diverticuli which if symptomatic, causing discomfort to the patient, is called diverticulosis. These abnormal outpocketings may collect and not be able to empty fecal material which can lead to inflammation, diverticulitis.
110
Cirrhosis
Literally, “orange-yellow” in Greek. A degenerative disease of the liver that often develops in chronic alcoholics, but can have other causes. The name refers to the gross appearance of the organ.
111
Portal hypertension
A potential complication of chronic alcoholism resulting in liver damage and obstruction of venous blood flow through the liver. The rising blood pressure in the veins between the gastrointestinal tract and liver causes engorgement of veins around the umbilicus (navel). The characteristic radiating pattern of veins is called a “caput medusae” (head of Medusa). Medusa was the “snake-haired lady” in Greek mythology.
112
Esophageal varices
bulging, engorged veins in the walls of the esophagus are often a complication of chronic alcoholism (see portal hypertension). The thin-walled, swollen veins are at risk of tearing resulting in severe, possibly fatal, bleeding.
113
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing. May be related to GERD, esophageal tumor or other causes.
114
Crohn’s Disease
a chronic inflammatory disease primarily of the bowel. Typical symptoms are abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea. There may also be rectal bleeding that can lead to anemia. Special X-rays and tests are needed to differentiate Crohn’s from other diseases with similar symptoms.
115
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity. Before antibiotics, people would die from peritonitis if an inflamed appendix burst. Indications of peritonitis are called “peritoneal signs”: tender abdomen, rebound pain (pain when manual pressure released from examining abdomen), board-like rigidity of abdominal muscles, no bowel sounds (gurgles). The peritoneal membrane is very sensitive to exposure to foreign substances. Contact with blood, bile, urine, pus will cause peritoneal signs.
116
Gastroenterologist
a physician specializing in diseases of the digestive system including esophagus, stomach and intestines. These specialists do not do surgery. Patients needing surgery are referred to a general surgeon.
117
Proctologist
a physician specializing in diseases of the rectum and anus. Proctology is a surgical subspecialty.
118
Guaiac test (Hemoccult, Fecult)
a special chemical test to identify blood in the stool (feces). Blood in the stool may have many causes including cancer and hemorrhoids.
119
Endoscopy
use of a flexible fiberoptic instrument attached to a video camera that can be used to directly visualize the esophagus, stomach and large bowel. Special names may be used for each area explored such as colonoscopy.
120
Ultrasonography (ultrasound)
a procedure using high frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs. Primarily used to visualize abdominal and pelvic organs, such as the pregnant uterus.
121
Rhin/o
= Nose
+ Rhinitis, rhinorrhea (inflammation of and “runny” nose)
122
Trache/o
= Trachea, “windpipe”
+ Tracheotomy, tracheostomy (temporary and permanent openings)
122
Laryng/o
= Larynx, “voice box”
+ Laryngotomy, Laryngectomy (cutting into, surgically removing the larynx)
123
Bronch/o
= Lung air passageways
+ Bronchoscopy (looking into the bronchi)
124
Pne/u, -pnea
= Breath, air, lung
+ Tachypnea, dyspnea, apnea (accelerated, difficult/painful, cessation of breathing)
125
Pulmo/o
= Lung
+ Pulmonary artery
126
-ptysis
= Spitting (coughing)
+ Hemoptysis (spitting or coughing up blood from lungs)
127
-plasty
= Reconstruction
+ Rhinoplasty (surgical reconstruction of nose)
128
Pneumoconiosis
literally, “an abnormal condition of dust in the lungs.” A generic name for conditions where toxic particles become trapped in the lungs and cause symptoms and disability such a “black lung” or “miner’s lung” disease. Terms specific to the particulate matter may be given such as asbestosis.
129
Epistaxis
want a fancier name for a “nosebleed?” You got it!
130
Cystic fibrosis
an inheritable disease that affects not only the lungs but other systems producing mucous such as the digestive system. Patients suffer frequent lung infections that are hard to treat because mucous is thick and sluggish and result in increased scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. They also take multiple enzyme pills because of digestive abnormalities related to abnormal mucous production.
131
Emphysema (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, of which emphysema is one of, results in progressive destruction of the air sacs in the lungs and loss of respiratory membrane for oxygen exchange. The bane of long term smokers.
132
Atelectasis
a collapsed lung. Literally, “an imperfect expansion” in Greek.
133
Pulmonary angiography
special X-rays of the vessels of the lungs.
134
Laryngoscopy
visual examination of the larynx.
135
Endotracheal intubation
passing a special air-tube into the trachea so oxygen can be reliably supplied directly to the lungs without risk of inhaling vomit from the stomach. Typically done for surgery or whenever general anesthesia is administered among other situations where the patient’s airway must be secured.
136
Nephr/o, ren/o
= Kidney
+ Nephritis, renal artery
137
Hydro/o
= Water
+ Hydronephrosis (abnormal condition involving back up of urine into the kidney)
138
Cyst/o
= Bladder
+ Cystitis, cystectomy (inflammation of, removal of bladder)
139
Pyel/o
= Renal collecting ducts
+ Pyelogram (X-ray of the collecting ducts)
140
Ur/o, -uria
= Urine
+ Polyuria, anuria (frequent urination, no urine formation)
141
Olig/o
= Scanty, less than normal
+ Oliguria (reduced urine formation)
142
-pexy
= To surgically reattach, fix in normal position
+ Nephropexy (surgically attach kidney in normal anatomical position)
143
Nephrosis
a noninflammatory disease of kidneys.
144
Nephrolith
a kidney stone.
145
Urethritis
inflammation of the urethra, the final pathway for urine in both sexes, and the common pathway for urine and semen in the male.
146
Nocturia
frequently getting up and urinating during the night.
147
Enuresis
involuntary release of urine, most often in reference to “bedwetting.”
148
Cystoscopy
looking into the urinary bladder with a fiberoptic instrument.
149
Intravenous pyelogram
special X-rays showing the drainage pattern of the kidneys. A dye opaque to X-rays is injected into a vein. After a waiting period for the blood and dye to pass through the kidneys, X-rays can be taken of the collecting system of the kidney, ureter and bladder.
150
Retrograde pyelogram
In this procedure a dye opaque to X-rays is flushed backwards up the urethra and bladder and up the ureters to the kidneys.
151
Voiding cystourethrogram
take this apart starting at the end of the word: an imaging technique (X-ray) displaying the urethra and bladder while urinating! How did the opaque dye get into the bladder? One guess then see retrograde pyelogram above.
152
Dialysis
a procedure for cleansing the blood of waste products in individuals with complete kidney failure or who have had kidneys removed by surgery. With the in-hospital procedure, the patient’s blood is circulated through a machine that removes waste products. The blood is recirculated back into the patient.
153
Lithotripsy
Crushing kidney stones with sound waves. Unlike cholelithotripsy (crushing of gallstones), which is no longer done, the sludge from crushing kidney stones has an easy direct pathway out of the body (down the ureter to the bladder and out the urethra). Nephrolithotripsy is an elective procedure that may spare a patient surgery.
154
Prostat/o
= Prostate
+ Prostatitis, prostatectomy
155
Vas/o
= Vessel, duct
+ Vas deferens, vasectomy (duct carrying semen from testes, cutting the duct)
156
-rrhaphy
= To suture
+ Herniorrhaphy (surgical correction of inguinal hernia)
157
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
swelling of the prostate gland which surrounds the base of the male bladder and urethra causing difficulty urinating, dribbling, and nocturia (remember that word? See urinary system). The bane of old men! BPH becomes more common as men age.
158
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
the surgical cure for BPH. An instrument inserted through the penile urethra is used to partially cut away the prostate to relieve obstruction of the urinary tract.
159
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
PSA is a marker protein for prostate cell secretions which can be detected with a lab test. A rising PSA may be an early sign of prostate cancer, although there may be other causes including false positive tests.
160
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
although males have a closed abdominal cavity, the female abdominal cavity has a direct anatomical path from the outside world via the female reproductive tract. Bacteria can make their way up the vagina, through the uterus, and traverse the uterine tubes which open into the abdominal cavity. Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, the peritoneum, causes abdominal pain. Although there are many potential causes of PID, gonorrheal infection is one of them. Chronic Inflammation of the uterine tubes can occlude them resulting in infertility.
161
Prolapsed uterus
the uterus is almost directly above the vagina. In fact, the cervix, the neck region, of the uterus extends into the upper vagina. Ligaments hold the uterus in proper position so that it does not prolapse or herniate into the vagina. Severe prolapse can result in the uterine cervix protruding from the vaginal opening. Surgical repair is typically required to restore the uterus to its proper anatomical position.
162
Episiotomy
a surgical procedure cutting into the perineal area, the area between the vagina and anus in order to prevent tearing of tissues when the baby’s head traverses the vaginal opening.
163
Hysterosalpingogram
special X-rays of the uterus and uterine tubes involving passing an opaque dye backwards up through the uterus to determine if the tubes are patent. Since the tubes are open into the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity, if patent, dye should spill out of the end of the tubes and be manifest on the X-ray.
164
Colposcopy
using a magnifying instrument to inspect the interior of the vagina and cervix, the entrance to the uterus.
165
Mammoplasty
Surgical reconstruction of the breast may involve breast enlargement or reduction or cosmetic reconstruction after mastectomy. What are the risk factors of developing breast cancer? Check out this women’s health link for answers.
166
Oste/o
=Bone
+Osteitis, osteoma, osteocyte
167
Arthr/o
= Joint
+ Chondritis, chondroma, chondrocyte
168
Myel/o
=Bone marrow
+Myeloma
169
Ten/o, tendin/o
= Tendon (binds muscle to bone)
+ Tendonitis, tenorrhaphy
170
Ligament/o
=Ligament (binds bone to bone)
+ Ligamentous injury
171
Burs/o
= Bursa, “bag”, (shock absorber between tendons and bones)
+ Bursitis
172
My/o, myos/o
= Muscle
+ Myoma, myositis
173
-malacia
= Softening
+ Osteomalacia, chondromalacia
174
-porosis
= Porous
+ Osteoporosis
175
-asthenia
= Weakness, loss of strength
+Myasthenia gravis
176
-trophy
=Development, stimulation, maintenance
+ Atrophy (shriveling of muscles), hypertrophy (increase in size and strength of muscles)
177
-algia, algesia
+ Pain
+ Myalgia, arthralgia, analgesia (take away pain
178
Osteoporosis
“Porous bone.” The bane of the old, especially, women. The hard, rock-like quality of bone is dependent upon calcium. When too much calcium is dissolved from bones or not enough replaced, bones lose density and are easily fractured. Estrogen, the female sex hormone, helps maintain proper calcium levels in bones. Once the ovaries stop producing the hormone, women are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. A collapse of bony vertebrae of the spinal column results in loss of height and stooped posture. Hip fractures are a common occurrence.
179
Osteomalacia
“Soft bones.” If not enough calcium is deposited during early childhood development, the bones do not become rock-hard, but rubbery. Both adequate calcium in the diet and vitamin D, primarily, from normal sunlight exposure or supplementation, are necessary for normal bone development. Before vitamin supplementation to milk, “rickets,” another name for osteomalacia in children, was common resulting in the classic bowed legs of the afflicted child.
180
Carpal tunnel syndrome
People whose job involves repeated flexing of their wrist (typing, house painting) may develop tingling and/or pain in their thumb, index and middle fingers along with weakness of movements of the thumb, especially, grasping an object. The main nerve for finely controlled thumb movements passes through a bony/ligamentous canal on the bottom of the wrist. Repetitive flexing movements may inflame and thicken the ligament over the “tunnel” through the carpal (wrist) bones trapping and compressing the nerve.
181
Tendonitis
Repeated strain on a tendon, attachment of a muscle to bone, can inflame the tendon resulting in pain and difficulty with movement involving the muscle. Tendons have a poor blood supply; therefore, they typically take a long time to heal on the order of six weeks or more.
182
Rotator cuff tear
Muscles surrounding the shoulder joint are involved in rotating the shoulder with upper arm and hand forward and backward, among other movements. The tendons of these muscles also contribute to the structural strength of the shoulder joint. Hard, fast movements, such as in tennis and baseball can tear one of these tendons resulting in pain and decreased mobility of the shoulder. Surgery may be needed to repair a torn tendon.
183
Bursitis
A bursa is a small, closed bag with a minimum amount of lubricatory fluid that serves as a shock absorber where bones make close contact and to minimize trauma and friction where tendons cross bones and joints. Inflammation leads to pain and immobility in a joint area.
184
Muscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited diseases in which the muscles that control movement progressively weaken. The prefix, dys-, means abnormal. The root, -trophy, refers to maintaining normal nourishment, structure and function. The most common form in children is called Duchenne muscular dystrophy and affects only males. It usually appears between the ages of 2 to 6 and the afflicted live typically into late teens to early 20s.
185
Myasthenia gravis
“Muscular weakness, profound”. This is an autoimmune disease that involves production of antibodies that interfere with nerves stimulating muscle contractions. Face and neck muscles are the most obviously affected, manifesting as drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing and general fatigue. There is no actual paralysis of muscles involved, but a rapid fatiguing of function.
186
Lupus erythematosus
An autoimmune disease wherein the body produces antibodies against a variety of organs, especially connective tissues of skin and joints. Mild Lupus may involve a distinctive butterfly-shaped rash over the nose and cheeks. Mild lupus may also involve myalgia and arthralgia (remember these words?) Severe or systemic lupus (SLE) involves inflammation of multiple organ systems such as the heart, lungs, or kidneys. By the way, lupus means “wolf” in Latin. Maybe a reference to the facial rash that might give a patient a wolf-like appearance.
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Rheumatologist
“To study the flux of fluids.” Say, what? Rheuma is an old medical term for a watery discharge. Among other diseases, rheumatologists treat joint diseases such as the various forms of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis. Inflamed joints accumulate “fluid” and swell among other signs and symptoms. This medical subspecialty also evaluates and treats osteoporosis, tendonitis, gout and lupus among many other chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders.
