Vet Nursing Terminology And Definitions

Question 1

What does the abbreviation ATT stand for?

Answer 1

Animal assisted therapy - provision of suitable animals to promote physical, social, emotional or cognitive function in humans

Question 2

What is the abdomen?

Answer 2

The area between the diaphragm and the pelvis that contains the abdominal viscera

Question 3

Define the term abaxial?

Answer 3

The part of the skeleton facing away from the central line of the body or any of its parts - see axial

Question 4

What is an abdominocentesis?

Answer 4

A technique for the collection of fluid from the abdomen by using sterile procedures- fluid can be aspirated from the most prominent part of the abdomen usually the midline

(Suffix) centesis - puncture/piercing into

Question 5

What is the Abducens nerve?

Answer 5

The sixth cranial nerve

Supplies the lateral rectus eye muscle and the retractor muscle of the eyeball

Question 6

What is the sixth cranial nerve called?

Answer 6

The abducens nerve

Question 7

Define the term abduct?

Answer 7

To move away from the median plane or axis of the body; the word is used for abductor muscles , the process of limb abduction also see adduction

Question 8

What is an Aberdeen suture?

Answer 8

A method used for stitching small domestic mammals where the suture knot is buried under the skin so that the animals can not bite it with its teeth.

Question 9

What is abiotrophy?

Answer 9

Progressive reduction in nervous or ocular function

Question 10

What is ablate?

Answer 10

To remove totally; a term used in surgical correction of diseases of external ear canal

Ablation

Question 11

Define the term abortion?

Answer 11

Termination of pregnancy, the loss of viable foetuses through infection, hormonal failure or mechanical damage, as with a traumatic injury involving fetal membranes

Question 12

What is an abrasion?

Answer 12

An open wound, usually with extensive loss of epithelial tissue, often painful owing to exposed nerve endings

Question 13

What is an abscess?

Answer 13

A focus of pus surrounded by inflamed or damaged tissue

Question 14

Define the term absolute?

Answer 14

Pure in quality, alcohol 100% strength

Question 15

What is an absolute refractory period?

Answer 15

The time period after an initial stimulus when a cell, such as a neurone, cannot respond to a second stimulus. Response of a neurone to a second stimulus applied soon after responding to an initial stimulus

Question 16

Define the term Absorption?

Answer 16

The process of transfer across a membrane; examples are taking in nutrients or reclaiming substances in the kidney

Question 17

What is acanthosis?

Answer 17

A skin disorder

Where there are increased thickness of epithelial cells, sometimes pigmented with melanin. The increase of pigmented cell layers may be found in the Axillae, when it is known as acanthosis nigricans

Question 18

What is acapnia?

Answer 18

Decrease in carbon dioxide content of the blood - see also hypocapnia

A / an (prefix) - absence

Question 19

What is acaracide?

Answer 19

Medical substance used to kill off surface parasites

Question 20

What is acarbose?

Answer 20

Sugar used in diagnostic work

Question 21

What is acariasis?

Answer 21

Infestation with surface parasites such a ticks or mites, does not include flea infestation

Question 22

Define the term accident?

Answer 22

An event happening by chance or misfortune

Question 23

Define the term accomodation ?

Answer 23

Process to focus the image on the retina; the ciliary muscle can flatten or swell the lens at will

Question 24

What does the abbreviation ACE stand for?

Answer 24

Angiotensin-converting enzyme. Concerned in blood pressure control, the enzyme converts angiotensin I (a molecule in the lining of small blood vessels) to vasoconstricting hormone angiotensin II. ACE inhibitors are drugs that block the action of ACE, allowing peripheral blood vessels to dilate, benefiting heart muscle and lowering blood pressure see also angiotensin

Question 25

What is the acetabulum?

Answer 25

Part of the hip joint structure, the recess in the pelvic bone to receive the femur head. The depth of the socket of the hip joint affects the radiographic interpretation, see also valgus, hip dysplasia

Question 26

What is acetylcholine?

Answer 26

Chemical neurotransmitter synonymous with parasympathetic nerve activity, excess is destroyed by cholinesterase

Question 27

What is acetylcholinesterase?

Answer 27

Enzyme produced in nerve endings, muscle and erythrocytes; it breaks down acetylcholine in nerve tissue to choline and water