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medical terminology > unit 1 (the basics and the body) - medical vocabulary > Flashcards

unit 1 (the basics and the body) - medical vocabulary Flashcards

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USMLE® Step 1 flashcards
1
Q

abbreviation

A

shortened form of medical term or phrase

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2
Q

abdominal cavity

A

portion of the ventral cavity that protects the stomach, liver, spleen, gallbladder, pancreas, and parts of the large intestine

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3
Q

acids

A

chemical substances that taste sour and neutralize bases

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4
Q

acronym

A

abbreviation that is formed from the initial letters of words and is pronounced as a word

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5
Q

acute

A

characterized by rapid onset, severe symptoms, and short duration

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6
Q

anatomical planes

A

imaginary, flat sections that are visualized on various parts of the body; are used as reference points for describing anatomical location, position, and directional movement

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7
Q

anatomical position

A

a body position in which a person stands upright with the head and feet facing forward, the arms at the sides, and the palms of the hands facing forward

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8
Q

anatomy

A

the study of the structures of the body

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9
Q

anion

A

a negative-charged ion that conducts electrical currents to create a base

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10
Q

anterior

A

an anatomical term of location that describes the “head end” of the front of the body

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11
Q

auscultation

A

use of a stethoscope to listen to sounds within body cavities

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12
Q

autoimmune

A

a classification of disease in which the immune system reacts to its own healthy tissue in the same way it reacts to foreign antigens

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13
Q

bases

A

chemical substances that react with acids to form salts

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14
Q

benign

A

nonrecurring or nonmalignant; a term for cancers in which the patient has a good chance of survival

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15
Q

body cavity

A

a space within the body that contains and protects internal organs and other body structures

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16
Q

body system

A

a group of organs that work together to perform a specific function

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17
Q

cardiac muscle

A

muscle tissue that is found only in the heart and that is responsible for the heart’s pumping action

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18
Q

cardiovascular system

A

the body system that pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body, carries carbon dioxide to the lungs, and carries other chemical waste products to the kidneys and lungs

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19
Q

cation

A

a positive-charged ion that conducts electrical currents to create an acid

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20
Q

caudal

A

related to or near the tail or inferior end of the body

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21
Q

cell

A

the basic structural unit of the body

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22
Q

cell division

A

the process by which cells reproduce; aids the growth and development of cells and replaces old, dead, or damaged cells

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22
Q

cell division

A

the process by which cells reproduce; aids the growth and development of cells and replaces old, dead, or damaged cells

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23
Q

cell membrane

A

plasma membrane, semipermeable membrane that separates the cell from its external environment

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24
Q

cephalic

A

related to the cranium or near the head

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25
Q

chromosome

A

a rod-shaped structure in the nucleus of the cell that contains genes

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26
Q

chronic

A

an illness or injury characterized by long duration and slow progression

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27
Q

combining form

A

a root word + a combining vowel

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28
Q

combining vowel

A

the vowel attached to the end of a root word

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29
Q

condition

A

a short-term health problem

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30
Q

congenital

A

condition that is present at birth that may be the result of either genetic or environmental factors

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31
Q

connective tissue

A

body tissue that supports and connects organs and other body tissues

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32
Q

convalescence

A

a period of gradual recovery after illness or injury

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33
Q

cranial cavity

A

the portion of the dorsal cavity that is located within the skull; protects the brain

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34
Q

cytology

A

the study of the formation, structure, and function of cells

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35
Q

cytoplasm

A

gel-like material between cell nucleus and cell membrane that contains the organelles needed for cell function

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36
Q

debilitating

A

having a weakening or fatiguing effect

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37
Q

diagnosis

A

the identification of a health condition

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38
Q

diagnostic testing

A

use of lab tests, X-rays, and other tests or procedures to help diagnose a condition or disease

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39
Q

diaphragm

A

a large muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity; used in breathing

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40
Q

digestive system

A

the body system that is responsible for the ingestion, breakdown, and absorption of nutrients into the body; also responsible for the removal of solid waste products

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41
Q

disease

A

a long-term health problem

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42
Q

distal

A

located away from a point of origin

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43
Q

dorsal

A

back of the body

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44
Q

dorsal cavity

A

protects the organs and tissues within the backside of the body

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45
Q

electrolytes

A

compounds made up of ions, which conduct electrical currents in the cell cytoplasm

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46
Q

endemic

A

a disease that is ongoing and restricted to a certain population, group, or area of land

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47
Q

endocrine system

A

the body system that produces hormones and regulates some body functions

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48
Q

endogenous

A

originating within the body

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49
Q

epidemic

A

a sudden, widespread outbreak of a disease within a population, group, or area of land

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50
Q

epigastric region

A

the abdominal region above the stomach

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51
Q

epithelial cells

A

flat, square cells that cover the skin and also line the digestive tract and other hollow organs

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52
Q

epithelial tissue

A

body tissue that forms the skin covering the surface of the body, lines the internal organs, and makes up certain glands

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53
Q

erect

A

the normal standing body position

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54
Q

etiology

A

the study of the causes of the pathological conditions

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55
Q

exogenous

A

originating outside the body

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56
Q

fat cells

A

cells that contain large, empty spaces for fat storage in the body

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57
Q

fowler’s position

A

a semi-sitting body position

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58
Q

frontal plane

A

the vertical plane that divides the body into front and back sections (coronal plane)

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59
Q

genes

A

parts of a chromosome that contain DNA

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60
Q

genetic

A

inherited or passed on from one’s parents

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61
Q

genetic disorder

A

a disease or condition caused by a defective gene (hereditary disorder)

61
Q

genetic disorder

A

a disease or condition caused by a defective gene (hereditary disorder)

62
Q

genetics

A

the study of the ways in which genes are transferred from individuals to their offspring and of the role that genes play in the health of the offspring

63
Q

health information technician

A

a healthcare worker who organizes and manages health information data by ensuring its accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper and electronic systems

64
Q

histology

A

the study of structure and function of tissues

65
Q

hypersensitivity

A

condition in which the body’s immune system has an exaggerated response to an antigen

66
Q

hypogastric region

A

the abdominal region below the umbilical region (pelvic region)

67
Q

iatrogenic

A

a term for diseases or conditions that arise as a complication of medical or surgical intervention

68
Q

idiopathic

A

a term for diseases and conditions that have unknown etiologies

69
Q

immunological

A

pertaining to a reaction between an antigen and an antibody

70
Q

infectious

A

capable of causing an infection

71
Q

inferior

A

closer to the soles of the feet

72
Q

inflammatory

A

marked or caused by inflammation (redness, heat, fever, and swelling)

73
Q

inspection

A

observation of one or more areas of the body

74
Q

integumentary system

A

the body system that protects the body by functioning as a physical barrier, regulates temperature and fluid control, produces vitamin D, and provides sensory information

75
Q

ions

A

charged particles that conduct electrical currents in the cytoplasm of a cell

76
Q

ischemic

A

a term for conditions or diseases that are caused by a temporary deficiency in blood flow to an organ or tissue

77
Q

knee-chest

A

the body position of laying facedown with knees bend while resting on the knees and chest

78
Q

lateral

A

anatomical term of being farther from the midline, or the body position of lying on the right or left side

79
Q

left lower quadrant (LLQ)

A

abdominal quadrant that contains parts of the small and large intestines; left ovary, left fallopian tube, and left side of uterus in females; the left ureter; the left side of the bladder; left side of the reproductive organs in males

80
Q

left upper quadrant (LUQ)

A

abdominal quadrant that contains the liver (left lobe), stomach, spleen, part of pancreas, and parts of the small and large intestines

81
Q

lymphatic system

A

the body system that works with the immune system to protect the body from harmful microorganisms and that maintains a proper balance of blood and lymphatic fluid in the body

82
Q

malignant

A

a term for cancers that tend to spread, get progressively worse, and become life threatening

83
Q

manifestation

A

the ways in which a disease prevents or shows itself (clinical presentation)

84
Q

medial

A

near midline, or center, of body

85
Q

medical assistant

A

a healthcare worker who performs administrative and clinical tasks in a healthcare setting, typically in a physician’s office

86
Q

medical coder

A

a healthcare worker who assigns special codes to patient medical records based on the type of evaluation and treatment received by the patient

87
Q

medical terminology

A

the language of science and healthcare - used by professionals to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively

88
Q

meiosis

A

the process by which sex cells divide

89
Q

metabolic

A

a term for disorders that interfere with the chemical processes involved in converting food to energy and in sustaining life

90
Q

midsagittal plane

A

the vertical plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves

91
Q

mitosis

A

the process by which most body cells divide

92
Q

muscle cells

A

long, slender cells found within muscle tissue; contain fibers that allow muscular tissue to contract and relax

93
Q

muscle tissue

A

body tissue that specializes in contracting to produce bodily movement

94
Q

muscular system

A

the body system that allows voluntary and involuntary body movement and produces body heat through energy generated by muscles

95
Q

neoplastic

A

a term describing new, abnormal growth that may or may not be cancerous

96
Q

nerve cells

A

long cells with several fibrous extensions by which nerve impulses are carried

97
Q

nervous system

A

the body system that transmits messages about sensory stimuli between the brain and other parts of the body

98
Q

nervous tissue

A

body tissue that is made up of neurons, which receive and conduct electrochemical impulses between the brain and other parts of the body

99
Q

nosocomial

A

an infection acquired in a hospital setting that was not present upon admission

100
Q

nosocomial

A

an infection acquired in a hospital setting that was not present upon admission

101
Q

nucleus

A

the controlling structure of the cell that is responsible for the cell’s main function and reproduction

102
Q

nutritional

A

relating to chemical processes in the body that occur after ingesting food

103
Q

observation

A

the process of looking at a patient, asking questions, and gathering data

104
Q

olfaction

A

use of the sense of smell to detect abnormalities

105
Q

opportunistic

A

a term for diseases or conditions that do not take hold unless the immune system is in a weakened state

106
Q

organ

A

a collection of tissues working together to perform a particular function

107
Q

organelles

A

specialized structures that allow specific functions to occur in cells

108
Q

organism

A

a life form made up of interdependent parts, all of which work together to maintain life

109
Q

palpation

A

application of light or firm pressure on the skin above internal organs or structures to check for abnormalities

110
Q

pathologist

A

a physician who specializes in the study of disease

111
Q

pathophysiology

A

the study of disease processes that happen inside the body

112
Q

patient history

A

the written description of symptoms in a patient’s record

113
Q

pelvic cavity

A

the portion of the ventral cavity that protects the urinary bladder, urethra, portions of the large intestine, and the reproductive organs

114
Q

percussion

A

tapping areas on the surface of the body to produce a vibrating sound

115
Q

pH

A

a measurement of how much acid or base is present

116
Q

physical examination

A

the process of assessing a patient’s health and signs and symptoms of disease (a physical)

117
Q

physiology

A

the study of how the structures of the body function

118
Q

posterior

A

the tail/rear end of the body

119
Q

prefix

A

a single letter or group of letters attached to the front of a root word (location, time, or number)

120
Q

prognosis

A

a forecast or prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disease or condition

121
Q

prone

A

the body position of lying flat with the face down

122
Q

proximal

A

located near a point of origin

123
Q

quadrants

A

the 4 areas of the abdominopelvic cavity, divided by 2 imaginary lines that intersect at the belly button

124
Q

reproductive systems

A

the body systems in males and females that allow human beings to produce offspring

125
Q

respiratory system

A

the body system that transports life-sustaining oxygen through the body to the organs and tissues of the body, expels carbon dioxide, filters airborne pollutants and microorganisms from the respiratory tract, and regulates the pH levels in the body

126
Q

right and left hypochondriac regions

A

upper part of the abdomen on both sides of the epigastric region beneath the cartilage of the lower ribs

127
Q

right and left iliac regions

A

the lower part of the abdomen, starting between the iliac crests (inguinal regions)

128
Q

right and left lumbar regions

A

abdominal region of the back lateral to the lumbar spine (lower back)

129
Q

right lower quadrant (RLQ)

A

the abdominal quadrant that contains parts of the small and large intestines; the right ovary, right fallopian tube, and right side of the uterus in females; the right ureter; right side of the bladder; right side of the reproductive organs in males

130
Q

right upper quadrant (RUQ)

A

the abdominal quadrant that contains the liver (right lobe), gallbladder, part of the pancreas, and portions of the small and large intestines

131
Q

root word

A

central part of a medical word (body part)

132
Q

sagittal plane

A

the vertical plane that divides the body into unequal left and right sections

133
Q

signs

A

objective observations used to diagnose diseases

134
Q

sims’ position

A

the body position of lying on the side with the hip and knee straight, and the other hip and knee bent or flexed

135
Q

skeletal muscle

A

muscle tissue that is attached to bone and works with the skeletal system to generate movement at will (voluntary muscle)

136
Q

skeletal system

A

the body system that provides support and shape for the body, protects internal organs and tissues, produces red blood cells, and stores minerals such as calcium

137
Q

smooth muscle

A

muscle tissue that is not consciously controlled, but that enables alternating contracting and stretching motions (visceral/involuntary muscle)

138
Q

spinal cavity

A

the portion of the dorsal cavity that is located within the spinal column; protects the spinal cord

139
Q

suffix

A

a single letter or group of letters attached to the end of a root word (condition, disease, diagnostic or surgical treatment, or therapeutic remedy)

140
Q

superior

A

located closer to the top of the head

141
Q

supine

A

the body position of laying flat with the face up

142
Q

symbols

A

marks that have specific meanings and are used to save time when recording data

143
Q

symptoms

A

the patient’s awareness of abnormalities and discomfort that indicate disease; based on subjective perceptions

144
Q

syndrome

A

a set of signs or symptoms that occur together as a part of a disease process

145
Q

terminal

A

a term for diseases for which there are treatments but no cures

146
Q

thoracic cavity

A

the portion of the ventral cavity that protects the heart, lungs, esophagus, and major blood vessels of the chest (chest cavity)

147
Q

tissue

A

a combination of similar cells

148
Q

transverse plane

A

the horizontal plane that divides the body into upper and lower sections

149
Q

umbilical region

A

the abdominal region surrounding the belly button, or umbilicus

150
Q

urinary system

A

the body system that filters blood to remove waste products and regulates electrolyte and fluid balance in the body

151
Q

ventral

A

describes the ‘belly” side of the front of the body

152
Q

ventral cavity

A

the body cavity that protects the organs and tissues within the front side of the body

medical terminology (27 decks)

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